Petty Officer 3rd Class Malachi Crater. Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach

BANGOR, Wash. – A Fort Myers, Florida, native is serving aboard USS Nevada, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Malachi Crater serves as a sonar technician and joined the Navy for the opportunity it provides.

“I wanted more out of my life and wanted to create building blocks for my future,” said Crater.

Crater attended East Lee and graduated in 2012. Today, Crater uses skills and values similar to those found in Fort Myers.

“I learned to work hard to get where you want in your career,” said Crater.

These lessons have helped Crater while serving aboard USS Nevada.

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, Crater 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 Crater 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 ensures maritime peace by acting as a nuclear deterrent,” said Crater.

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.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Crater and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m most proud of getting my ‘fish’ certification,” said Crater. “We did a lot of qualifications while underway. I worked hard for it. It’s the hardest qualification to get for junior sailors.”

A ‘fish’ is a nickname for a type of certification for sailors to be qualified on submarines.

As Crater and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“I know what I’m doing is an experience that I’ll never forget,” added Crater.