MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Dennis Villanueva, a native of New Britain, Connecticut, 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.
Villanueva, a 2012 New Britain High School graduate and 2022 Tunxis Community College graduate, joined the Navy five years ago.
"I chose to join the Navy after attending my brother, Delvis', graduation ceremony at Parris Island," said Villanueva. "Seeing him be a first-generation Marine inspired me to be a first-generation sailor in our family."
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in New Britain.
"My father passed down wisdom to me by always reminding me to 'never miss the train,' which means not missing opportunities," said Villanueva."Time is short and the train will leave with or without me. Therefore, I need to never slow down and continue to better myself."
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, Villanueva 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 supports national defense by being a show of force," said Villanueva. "We constantly make sure sailors are trained in case there may be issues in the future. We also ensure both our allies and the American people know they are safe."
Villanueva has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am most proud of seeing my junior sailors progress in their careers," said Villanueva. "Nothing makes me more proud than seeing them improve and be more qualified in their additional duties."
As Villanueva and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Serving in the Navy means sacrifice," added Villanueva. "In this profession, we are aware of the many sacrifices we have to make to maintain mission readiness. However, it is all worth it in the end becuase our family and friends can be safe back home because of the work we do."