Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 George Washington High School graduate and Chicago native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Seaman Robert Munoz is an operations specialist aboard the warship, based in Norfolk, Virginia. USS Mason is named after Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient Ensign Newton Henry Mason. A Navy operations specialist is responsible for working with radars to determine any danger from enemy ships.
“I like that my job is being out to sea,” Munoz said. “It is demanding at times but I enjoy working with the sailors and learning different traits of my job.”
Munoz credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Chicago.
“I learned to have a great work ethic and how to be a team player,” Munoz said.
U.S. Navy sailors, like Munoz, 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.
“I like experiencing different cultures on the ship, we work well together and we are all like one big family,” Munoz said.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Munoz is most proud of being promoted in boot camp due to his exceptional physical fitness and graduating from his Navy technical school.
“I am proud of these accomplishments because I was doing something different than I was before,” Munoz said. “I achieved these short-term goals I set for myself and it built up my confidence because I know I can do anything I set my mind to.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Munoz 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.
“It's a great honor serving my country and I love making my family proud of me,” Munoz added.