Serving Aboard the USS Maryland

By: David McKee

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Christian B. Martinez

Photo Description:

Seaman Apprentice Michael Sota, an electronics technician, currently serves defending America aboard a submarine referred to as a "boomer".
Seaman Apprentice Michael Sota, an electronics technician and Inland Empire native is serving aboard the USS Maryland (SSBN 738) 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.