Hollywood Native Defends America From Under The Sea

Arroyo graduated from Hallandale High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hollywood.

“My hometown taught me positivity and patience,” Arroyo said. "Staying positive can be very difficult, but I always try to smile and understand that everything will pass, and I can thank my hometown for that."

Arroyo joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Arroyo serves as a machinist's mate (nuclear).

“I joined the Navy for change,” Arroyo said. "At the time, college wasn’t working out, and I wanted to build on who I was. I knew the Navy offered a great education, so I wanted to use that as well."

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically 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, Arroyo serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Arroyo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is making it through the nuclear pipeline,” Arroyo said. "It was not easy, but I kept at it even though a lot of people around me were quitting. Once I completed it, the feeling was great."

Arroyo serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“Serving the Navy, to me, means preparation,” Arroyo said. "It is constantly giving me opportunities to set up my future for my life and, hopefully, for my future family's life."

Arroyo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank Machinist Mate 1st Class Rice,” Arroyo added. "He was my Nuclear Power School instructor, and he pushed and motivated me to complete my schooling. And of course, I want to thank my parents for their constant support."

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach