NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Adrian Calvo, a native of Hampton, Virginia, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Calvo graduated in 2017 from Kecoughtan High School.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Beverly Taylor, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hampton.
“I worked in retail and customer service before enlisting in the Navy,” said Calvo. “It’s surprising how often the people skills I learned came in handy with some of my previous assignments.”
Calvo joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Calvo serves as a cryptologic technician aboard USS Ross.
“My dad served in the Navy, and I wanted to set out to have my own stories,” said Calvo. “I want to do it even better than he did.”
Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Ross. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. Their jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, alongside a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Serving in the Navy means Calvo 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.
“The Navy supports national defense by providing well-rounded sailors capable of handling various mission sets,” said Calvo. “There is a strong focus on training to ensure that sailors are ready for everything that might come their way.”
With 90% 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.
Calvo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I earned a Joint Service Achievement Medal in April of 2021,” said Calvo.
According to the award citation, Calvo “singlehandedly identified a National Security Agency (NSA) equity,” which reflected “credit upon himself, the United States Navy and the Department of Defense.”
As Calvo and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is all about the people,” said Calvo. “Working with so many different people allows you to make special bonds that aren't really likely to happen in any other environment.”
Calvo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Fields for being a great instructor,” added Calvo. “I’d also like to thank Reggie Thompson for being such a great help. He’s a family friend and was like a mentor to me.”