Texas Border Business
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tracey Bannister, Navy Office of Community Outreach
BANGOR, Wash. – A Weslaco, Texas, native is stationed at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), homeport to west coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.
Petty Officer 1st Class Josiah Gutierrez joined the Navy to follow a family tradition. Today, Gutierrez serves as an electronics technician.
“My grandfather was one of the first Mexican Americans to step foot in Nagasaki after the atomic bombs were dropped,” said Gutierrez. “This influenced my decision to join the military.”
Petty Officer 1st Class Josiah Gutierrez joined the Navy to follow a family tradition. Today, Gutierrez serves as an electronics technician.
“My grandfather was one of the first Mexican Americans to step foot in Nagasaki after the atomic bombs were dropped,” said Gutierrez. “This influenced my decision to join the military.”
Gutierrez attended Weslaco High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Gutierrez uses skills and values similar to those found in Weslaco to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to not give up on people because they might surprise you,” said Gutierrez. “This has helped me become a leader.”
These lessons have helped Gutierrez while serving at Trident Refit Facility Bangor.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Gutierrez is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.
Serving in the Navy means Gutierrez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“It comforts me to know that at all times there are submarines and ships patrolling our oceans,” said Gutierrez.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Bangor.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Gutierrez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are receiving three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for high performance, and receiving a Commendation Medal for helping to bring back the USS Connecticut to its homeport after being involved in a collision,” said Gutierrez.
As Gutierrez and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
