By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGS BAY, GA. – Seaman Apprentice Toriano Weaver, a native of North Miami Beach, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS West Virginia, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Weaver is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Weaver graduated from Science Hill School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in North Miami Beach.
“Growing up in Miami, I learned to be resourceful and grateful,” Weaver said. “I learned to do my best with whatever circumstances were presented to me, whether they were good or bad.”
Weaver joined the Navy one and a half years ago. Today, Weaver serves as a missile technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to get the experience to help me develop my skills for my future,” Weaver said. “I also joined for the benefits they offered and for the opportunity to travel. I felt this was the best career path for me.”
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, Weaver 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.
Weaver has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being able to face my fears and overcome them,” Weaver said. “It was scary at first going underway. I know I didn’t have a choice, but I faced it. I have never been on the water before or under it, so I was proud to face that new experience.”
Weaver 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 to me means rising to the call for others,” Weaver said. “It means a lot to me to be able to serve because not everyone can. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve in their place and to serve for my family.”
Weaver is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad for how they raised me,” Weaver added. “Their parenting gave me discipline, taught me persistence and gave me direction to tru