By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Kim Abeto Malate Jr., of San Jose, California, 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 |
Malate Jr. joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Malate Jr. serves as a boatswain's mate aboard USS Makin Island.
“My Family Navy connection started with My Grandfather who served in the Navy during the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War,” said Malate Jr. “He enlisted in 1944 in Tolosa, Leyte, Philippines, and was one of the Filipino guerrilla war fighters that fought against the Japanese soldiers. He is why I enlisted at the age limit of 39 years old, so I can continue our family legacy in the military and be a role model to our family in the Philippines and here in the United States.”
Growing up in Tolosa, Leyte, Malate Jr. attended Tolosa National High School, in the Philippines, and graduated in 1992.
“Growing up in my small hometown in the Philippines, I learned the value of love of family, taking care of others and owning up to the mistakes that I make,” said Malate Jr. “These values have served me well in the Navy.”
These lessons have helped Malate Jr. 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, Malate Jr. 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.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by training, manning and equipping our warfighting capabilities,” said Malate Jr. “The Navy is also responsible for supporting our allies, making sure that freedom of navigation around the world exists for all mankind.”
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.
Malate Jr. and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud seeing my junior sailors grow, advance and become better people,” said Malate Jr. “I am thankful for the trust they put in me to be their mentor and give me the opportunity to influence their lives and Navy career.”
As Malate Jr. and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me and my family,” added Malate Jr. “Enlisting in the Navy was the best decision that I made in my life and I know that my family are proud of my accomplishments.”
Malate Jr. is a man of many talents and experiences outside of the Navy which has enhanced his experience as a sailor.
“I received a letter of appreciation from Congresswoman Sarah Jacobs for volunteering in the community through FARSOC Organization,” said Malate Jr. “I earned my 100-ton Captain's License from the U.S. Coast Guard through my Tactical Craft Coxswain school in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I also have a bachelor's degree in restaurant management and ran a five-star restaurant in the Philippines before I enlisted in the Navy.”