A Tujunga native and 1996 St. Francis High School graduate, Chief Petty Officer Ron Arroyo is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the Navy’s newest attack submarines, USS Texas. Arroyo works as an electrician’s mate (nuclear) aboard the Pearl Harbor-based boat, one of only 13 Virginia-class attack submarines in the Navy’s fleet. The Virginia class is the Navy’s newest and most advanced submarine.

A chief electrician’s mate (nuclear) is responsible for leading a group of sailors responsible for all of the electrical distribution on the submarine.

“My passion is seeing my guys do well and I like how this job allows me to see my sailors progress, make rank and advance,” said Arroyo.

Jobs are highly varied aboard the submarine. Approximately 130 men and women make up the submarine’s crew, doing everything from handling weapons to maintaining nuclear reactors.

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; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.

“The crew keeps USS Texas in top fighting shape through their exceptional hard work,” said Cmdr. Mike Dolbec, Commanding Officer aboard USS Texas. “

“Serving in the Navy gives me a great sense of pride in myself and it has defined me,” said Arroyo.

Written by Petty Officer 1st Class James H. Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Moreno