KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Badillo, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS West Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Badillo is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Badillo graduated from Warren High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“I learned growing up the importance of making the best of what I have and staying positive,” Badillo said. “In the Navy, especially when we are down in the boat, the days can be long and the work can be tiring, but you can always look for the positive.”
Badillo joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Badillo serves as a missile technician.
“I joined the Navy to give my brother and sister someone they can look up to,” Badillo said. “Growing up, I saw my family struggle, so I wanted my siblings to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
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, Badillo 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.
Badillo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning my ‘fish’ or submarine warfare device,” Badillo said. “I am proud of getting my ‘fish’ because I had to overcome a lot of challenges to achieve so. So, putting them on felt very rewarding.”
Badillo serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy makes me feel proud that I am doing something that is honorable,” Badillo said. “I’m proud to tell my family I did this, and it is something I will look back on positively for years to come.”
Badillo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I thank my mom and dad for their support,” Badillo added. “I also want to thank my siblings for always keeping me positive and for reaching out to make sure I am ok.”