MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Saenz, a native of Antioch, California, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Saenz, a 2010 Liberty High School graduate, joined the Navy three and a half years ago. Additionally, Saenz is a 2022 graduate of Tunxis Community College.
"Growing up, I always wanted to serve, although life brought me in another direction for a little while I still had the fire and passion," said Saenz. "I wanted to see what I am made of and capable of achieving. My grandfather was an officer in the Army, my father a crew chief in the Air Force, and others in my family served in the Marine Corps. In a way, it's always been a part of me and my decision to join was for me. I love what I do and being the first female in my family to do so is a huge accomplishment, for myself and my family."
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Antioch.
"You can choose the easy way or the hard way, but the choice is yours," said Saenz. "Also, if you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it again. Both of my parents taught me that."
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America's Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier's speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
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.
As a member of the Navy, Saenz 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 show our force in numbers and stand together to protect what's precious, to all of us," said Saenz. "We contribute to our national defense by showing up when called and being ready."
Saenz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I can't just point out one thing or another, but choosing would be meeting the love of my life and having her there by my side while I made second class," said Saenz.
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| USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) |
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Saenz, a 2010 Liberty High School graduate, joined the Navy three and a half years ago. Additionally, Saenz is a 2022 graduate of Tunxis Community College.
"Growing up, I always wanted to serve, although life brought me in another direction for a little while I still had the fire and passion," said Saenz. "I wanted to see what I am made of and capable of achieving. My grandfather was an officer in the Army, my father a crew chief in the Air Force, and others in my family served in the Marine Corps. In a way, it's always been a part of me and my decision to join was for me. I love what I do and being the first female in my family to do so is a huge accomplishment, for myself and my family."
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Antioch.
"You can choose the easy way or the hard way, but the choice is yours," said Saenz. "Also, if you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it again. Both of my parents taught me that."
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America's Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier's speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
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.
As a member of the Navy, Saenz 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 show our force in numbers and stand together to protect what's precious, to all of us," said Saenz. "We contribute to our national defense by showing up when called and being ready."
Saenz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I can't just point out one thing or another, but choosing would be meeting the love of my life and having her there by my side while I made second class," said Saenz.
As Saenz and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"My adventure is just starting," said Saenz. "It means a lot to me. I have worked so hard and continue to work hard to accomplish all that I may in the means of protecting what I still hold true about our country. I get to be a part of something bigger than myself, it's a true accomplishment."
"My adventure is just starting," said Saenz. "It means a lot to me. I have worked so hard and continue to work hard to accomplish all that I may in the means of protecting what I still hold true about our country. I get to be a part of something bigger than myself, it's a true accomplishment."
"I find now more than ever that being there for our people is of utmost importance," added Saenz. "The success of the sailors I work with, their accomplishments and successes, also means for me as well. It's a personal journey but also a selfless one to have those I work with reach their goals."