Madera native serves as member of U.S. Navy’s ‘Silent Service’
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Rae Moreno
Petty Officer 2nd Class Magdaleno Garcia.
KINGS BAY, Ga. — A Madera native is serving aboard USS Alaska, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Magdaleno Garcia, a 2016 Madera South High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
Today, Garcia serves as a torpedoman, whose responsibilities include being in charge of maintenance and repair of torpedos.
“I am also in charge of small arms weapons on the boat and make sure sailors are able physically and mentally to shoot,” he said.
Garcia joined the Navy for two reasons.
“One of the reasons was to make me stronger and more mature and be ready to conquer anything,” said Garcia. “I grew up in a Christian household and my family are all from Mexico. That’s why my second reason is that I am the first one to be born in the United States and I felt like the best way to give back to my country for what they have done for my family was to join the military.”
According to Garcia, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Madera.
“The values from my hometown that have helped me succeed in the Navy are hard work, manual labor and being there for your friends and family,” said Garcia.
Known as America’s “Silent Service,” 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 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.
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.
As a member of the submarine force, Garcia is part of a rich 121-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 Garcia 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.
“The Navy contributes to national security by supporting nuclear deterrence,” said Garcia. “We handle submarine-launch ballistic missiles.”
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.
As Garcia 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.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am helping a lot of people that I don’t even know,” added Garcia. “Being out in the ocean and nuclear deterrence makes sure nothing ever happens to our country. Serving also means that I am giving back to my country. It doesn’t end here. People fought in the past and I am continuing the protection of the country.”
