Milford native serves as a member of U.S. Navy’s submarine force
Lead Summary
By
Petty Officer 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez-
NORFOLK, Va. – A Milford, Ohio native is serving aboard USS New Mexico, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Botello joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Botello serves as a torpedoman's mate.
“I was seeking a higher calling in my life, and I wanted to get ahead,” said Botello. “I thought the Navy was a good way to do that.”
Growing up in Milford, Botello attended Goshen High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Botello relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Milford to succeed in the military.
“From a very young age, I was taught that the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” said Botello. “What I’ve held onto is, just because you have the best interest in mind doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. Your good ideas could create problems.”
These lessons have helped Botello while serving in the Navy.
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, Botello 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 Botello is part of a world 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 is the best forward-deploying, sea-going force, with the best technology,” said Botello. “The Navy truly shows the might of America.”
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.
Botello and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of making petty officer second class,” said Botello. I joined not knowing how far I would go. I’m very proud of the hard work I have put in to get here: the long nights and lessons learned.”
As Botello and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving is the ability to go home and feel fulfilled,” added Botello. “I end each day knowing that I accomplished something today, and I’m doing my part.”
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Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Botello joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Botello serves as a torpedoman's mate.
“I was seeking a higher calling in my life, and I wanted to get ahead,” said Botello. “I thought the Navy was a good way to do that.”
Growing up in Milford, Botello attended Goshen High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Botello relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Milford to succeed in the military.
“From a very young age, I was taught that the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” said Botello. “What I’ve held onto is, just because you have the best interest in mind doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. Your good ideas could create problems.”
These lessons have helped Botello while serving in the Navy.
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, Botello 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 Botello is part of a world 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 is the best forward-deploying, sea-going force, with the best technology,” said Botello. “The Navy truly shows the might of America.”
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.
Botello and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of making petty officer second class,” said Botello. I joined not knowing how far I would go. I’m very proud of the hard work I have put in to get here: the long nights and lessons learned.”
As Botello and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving is the ability to go home and feel fulfilled,” added Botello. “I end each day knowing that I accomplished something today, and I’m doing my part.”
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