Photo provided to the Times Observer Nathynn Rougeux, a 2021 Youngsville graduate, is currently serving aboard the USS South Dakota as a fire control technician. The USS South Dakota is a fast-attack submarine.

A 2021 Youngsville graduate and Pittsfield native has entered the U.S. Navy’s submarine service.

Nathynn Rougeux joined the Navy a year ago and now serves as a fire control technician aboard the USS South Dakota.

“My grandpa was in the Coast Guard, so I decided I wanted to try and carry on his legacy,” Rougeux said. “I also wanted to do something not a lot of people can say they’ve done. That’s why I chose the submarine service.”

According to the Navy, the USS South Dakota is a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine “designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral (near the shore) missions.” It was commissioned in 2019.

The Navy calls its role “strategic deterrence.”

“The Navy contributes to national defense by protecting our territories and keeping our waterways safe,” Rougeux said. “Serving in the Navy makes my family proud and my country proud. It feels good to know that I’m making them proud.”

And he’s grateful to the people that have made this path possible for him.

“I’m grateful to my parents and to all the commands that have brought me up to the point where I am,” he said. “My parents taught me that procrastination is a killer and how to have a good work ethic. I know when I’m at work, I need to work and when I’m off work, to enjoy it.”

There are three main types of submarines, according to the Navy.

“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,” they explain. “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 other two types are ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines.

“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations said. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”