MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Alejandra Basilio, a native of Palmdale, California, is serving aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy Wasp class amphibious assault ship.
“I joined the Navy to have a stable source of income for my family and to better myself all around,” said Basilio.
Today, Basilio serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate.
“There are two sides to my job,” said Basilio “One of our responsibilities is to signal aircraft during launch and recover. One of our other responsibility is being primary aircraft firefighters on our ship.”
Growing up in Palmdale, Basilio attended William J. Pete Knight High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Basilio uses the same skills and values learned in Palmdale to succeed in the military.
“I would say I am very well rounded and determined to succeed in whatever is the thrown at me,” said Basilio. “Those are the traits that my hometown helped me succeed in the navy.”
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex is the second ship in the Wasp-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts. Essex was a 1000-ton ironclad river gunboat of the U.S. Army and later U.S. Navy during the American Civil War.
According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Serving in the Navy means Basilio is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
While there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Basilio is most proud of personal and professional accomplishments.
“There are a few accomplishments that I'm most proud of since joining the Navy,” said Basilio. “One is being a single mother in the Navy and being able to adapt to the lifestyle. Another is being dual pinned in both air warfare and surface warfare.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Basilio, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy to me means being comfortable with being uncomfortable to build a better version of myself,” added Basilio. “It also means sacrificing many things, such as time. time away from family is a difficult thing to do but it also gives my family the opportunity to improve financially.