Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2010 Eloisa Pascual High School graduate and Caguas, Puerto Rico, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Hector ColonVazquez is a cryptologic technician (technical) aboard the warship, based in Norfolk, Va. USS Mason is named after Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient Ensign Newton Henry Mason.A Navy cryptologic technician (technical) is responsible for anti-ship missile defense.
“I learn so much doing my job and these traits will help me excel after the Navy,” ColonVazquez said.
ColonVazquez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Caguas.
“You have to be very determined and highly motivated to succeed in Puerto Rico,” ColonVazquez said. “It's a very small place so you have to very competitive.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like ColonVazquez, are stationed both stateside and on the high seas aboard surface ships around the world. USS Mason is one of more than 60 ships on the east coast of the United States as part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
U.S. Navy ships are deployed globally, and their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is vital to project power, secure common areas, deter aggression and assure allies when and where desired.
Due to its extensive combat capability, the Mason is able to fire Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and other weapons as part of sustained combat operations against targets on and below the sea, in addition to hitting targets hundreds of miles over the land.
The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the ship’s electronic sensors and weapons systems to defend against anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s air search and fire control radar provides continuous search and tracking of hundreds targets simultaneously.
The crew of more than 300 sailors build a strong fellowship while working alongside each other. The sailors are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions as part of a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.
“On a destroyer which is a smaller ship in the Navy, you are more essential to the mission and recognized as an important member of the crew,” ColonVazquez said.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, ColonVazquez is most proud of graduating advanced technical school and getting the qualifications needed to help the crew.
“With these qualifications, I get to pull my own weight and relieve someone that has been working all day so they can go home to see their families,” ColonVazquez said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, ColonVazquez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means having a sense of pride and honor protecting my country,” ColonVazquez added.