A West Palm Beach native is presently engaged in a critical mission for the security of the United States: deterring nuclear war.
Seaman Michael Monroig, a culinary specialist, is serving aboard one of the world’s most advanced ballistic missile submarines, USS Alabama. Based at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington, not far from Seattle, USS Alabama is one of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines in the Navy’s fleet.
As a culinary specialist, Monroig is responsible for preparing meals for the crew, conducting inventory and food service management while helping to ensure the morale of the crew is high.
“I enjoy talking to people and helping to make them smile and laugh,” Monroig said. “I enjoy the camaraderie. It’s a really close-knit community.”
Monroig draws from lessons learned growing up in West Palm Beach.
“Being the oldest of five siblings, I grew up cooking for my brothers and sisters,” Monroig said.
The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to informally as “boomers,” serve as undetectable launch platforms for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles, and they are the only survivable leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, which also include land-based missiles and aircraft.
As long as nuclear weapons remain in the hands of potential adversaries, the nation’s nuclear forces provide a safe, secure and credible deterrent to the threat of nuclear attack. The Navy’s continuous at-sea deployment of submarines like USS Alabama provides the ability to mount an assured response.
Submarine sailors are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy.
The training is highly technical, and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the submarine works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniforms.
“The men and women from across our nation who volunteer for military service embody the fundamental values of honor, courage and sacrifice that are the bedrock of our republic,” Rear Adm. Blake Converse said. “They protect and defend America from above, below and across the world’s oceans. The entire nation should be extremely proud of the hard work that these sailors do every single day to support the critical mission of the Navy and the submarine force.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Monroig and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving allows me to build relationships and establish roots,” Monroig said.
