VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Paulina Ruizortiz, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
Ruizortiz graduated from Southwest High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“My hometown taught me that there are a lot of opportunities; you just have to take them,” said Ruizortiz. "If you put in the effort, you can learn a lot. Always push yourself to be a part of positive communities; it is better that way."
Ruizortiz joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Ruizortiz serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.
“I joined the Navy to better myself,” said Ruizortiz. "It was a good way to show the gratitude I have towards my country."
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are 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.
Ruizortiz 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."
Ruizortiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was becoming a United States citizen,” said Ruizortiz. "Being an American citizen you have responsibilities. I am proud to fulfill those responsibilities through service."
Ruizortiz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to do my best for a country that has done so much for me,” said Ruizortiz. "One of my favorite quotes is from John F. Kennedy: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country'."
Ruizortiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my instructors in NROTC, Chief David Bell and Captain Cox,” added Ruizortiz. "They guided me throughout my sophomore year of high school. They helped me a lot with learning the English language. They have also helped me with a lot of decisions, including choosing my job in the Navy."