SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Bryan Cruz, a native of Jamaica, Queens, New York, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings, |
Cruz joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cruz serves as an interior communications electrician aboard USS Makin Island.
“I needed some discipline and direction, and a job,” said Cruz. "My dad served in the Navy and it seemed like a good opportunity. At the time, I felt like I had run out of options and the Navy was my only choice, but now I know it was the best choice for me."
Growing up in Jamaica Queens, Cruz attended Queens High School of Teaching and graduated in 2015.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Jamaica Queens.
“The burrow of Queens is like the melting pot of New York and my exposure to diversity and various cultures definitely set me up to succeed in the Navy,” said Cruz.
These lessons have helped Cruz while serving aboard Makin Island.
Makin Island is an amphibious assault ship. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Cruz is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We're the security guards of the seas,” said Cruz. "The Navy's presence around the world helps deter conflict."
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Cruz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of how I am able to take care of my junior sailors,” said Cruz. “Not only guiding them to succeed in Navy work but in life in general.”
As Cruz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy is not just about taking care of myself and doing a good job, but being part of a team and a bigger cause overall,” added Cruz.
Cruz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my little brother for supporting me and all my childhood friends for always checking in with me no matter where the Navy takes me,” added Cruz.