JUNE 25, 2014
Local seaman serves on Navy “boomer”
Specialist 3rd Class Christian B. Martinez
U.S. Navy
photo by Mass Communication
BANGOR, Wash. – Seaman Nicholas Wentland, a missile technician from Phoenix, is serving aboard the USS Maine (SSBN 741) Blue Crew in the U.S. Navy protecting and defending America on the world's oceans aboard one of the world's most advanced submarines. The Navy's ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles if directed by the President. The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance.
On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, “being there” means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world's oceans give the Navy the power to protect America's interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world's oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America's finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
