VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Jasmin Gaitan, a native of Lake Elsinore, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana Headquarters operating from Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld |
Gaitan graduated from Elsinore High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lake Elsinore.
“I learned early in life to never up, make every moment matter, and remember that good things don't come easily,” said Gaitan.
Gaitan joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Gaitan serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy for the endless opportunities it offered and the many paths I could choose to walk,” said Gaitan. "I also wanted to leave my small hometown. Most everyone I graduated with stayed there and I didn't want that."
Naval Air Station Oceana serves as the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base. The flight line, Apollo Soucek Field, is home to 17 aviation squadrons and hosts the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Gaitan serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."
Gaitan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm early in. my service, but I am very proud that I graduated bootcamp,” said Gaitan. “That really tested my mental strength.”
Gaitan can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, service means I'm part of an organization that protects this country,” said Gaitan. “I love belonging to something that is bigger than me.”
Gaitan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for supporting me, despite their worries about my safety,” added Gaitan. “When I first told them I was joining the Navy they didn't believe me, but when they saw me graduating boot camp they were crying tears of joy and pride.”
“I want to learn some new life skills and fine-tune my work ethic before I leave the Navy,” added Gaitan. “I want to move to Georgia where you can have the city life and the country life.”