KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Riggin, a native of Broomfield, Colorado, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Georgia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Riggin is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Riggin graduated from Legacy High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Broomfield.
“My hometown taught me the value of hard work,” Riggin said. "I understand what hard work means and where it can lead. Putting service before self can really push you further in life."
Riggin joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Riggin serves as an electrician's mate.
“I joined the Navy to serve,” Riggin said. "I wanted to give back. I have always liked volunteering, so joining the Navy seemed like the next logical step to continue giving back."
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, Riggin 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.
Riggin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Receiving a Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) was my proudest accomplishment,” Riggin said. "A big fire broke out in the engine room, and I secured the power to the boat. We were then able to put it out with no issues."
Riggin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving the Navy, to me, means giving back,” Riggin said. "For me, it's about the chance to grow personally, uplift my peers and, if I can, even make the world a better place."
Riggin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my girlfriend, my family and my shipmates,” Riggin added. "Their continuous support, both professionally and personally, pushes me to better myself daily. God Bless America."
