MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Ariana Diaz, a native of Galt, California, reflects on the life-changing impact Military Working Dogs have on U.S. Navy missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Diaz joined the Navy three years ago and today serves as Uno’s handler.
Diaz attended Galt High School and graduated in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Galt.
“I learned a lot of lessons in Galt, but the one that stays with me is that the decisions you make will catch up to you; whether good or bad, they’ll circle back around,” said Diaz. “I chose the better path with the Navy and kept out of trouble. I don’t want to lose what I’ve worked for, especially with how far I’ve come. Being in the Navy is setting me up for a better career down the line.”
Today, Diaz serves as a master-at-arms.
From jumping out of planes to deploying at sea, Military Working Dogs have been serving the Armed Forces since 1942. Navy K-9 Handlers train Military Working Dogs to seek out enemies while on deployment and to be the first line of defense for their units. To maintain mission readiness, Military Working Dogs are trained year-round.
“My favorite part of working with Military Working Dogs is the bond I have with my dog,” said Diaz. “No one wants to get to work super early, but when you have this dog who is super happy to see you, it makes your work day start off 10 times better. It puts an immediate smile on my face. As a junior enlisted sailor, you go home to the barracks and you’re alone, but I’ve got my best friend here every morning waiting for me. I’ve learned to appreciate that the most.”
As a member of the Navy, Diaz 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 is our nation’s water defense,” said Diaz. “We keep our waters safe, just like any other branch. The Air Force keeps air safe and the Army keeps the ground safe.”
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.
Diaz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Honestly, I’m most proud of graduating boot camp,” said Diaz. “Everyone gets the thought in their head that boot camp is scary. I just thought, ‘You can’t quit. You have to get through it.’ You have to have that mindset that if other people can do it, so can you. It’s the same mindset I had with training dogs.”
As Diaz 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 a lot to me, probably the most,” added Diaz. “I came from a super traditional Hispanic family and no one in my family has ever served in the military. I feel like setting that example is important, because it shows you can do anything. Being in the military is one of the most difficult jobs you can have, but I set that example for my family: if I can do it, you can do it because you can do anything.”