SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Reyes, a native of Cleburne, Texas, serves aboard USS Jack H. Lucas, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Reyes graduated from Cleburne High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cleburne.
“I learned growing up that hard work always gets recognition,” Reyes said. “That lesson transfers well here because in the Navy, your efforts will be recognized with awards and promotions.”
Reyes joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Reyes serves as a retail services specialist.
“My father inspired me to join the Navy,” Reyes said. "I also wanted to have a change of pace. The Navy offered the opportunity to have a new opportunity to live somewhere new while developing professionally."
Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.
Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, 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 USS Jack H. Lucas. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Reyes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer second class in under three years,” Reyes said. "I am proud of that because it usually takes about six years. However, being able to do it in less than three years is a testament to my efforts. I studied every day to ensure that I would put out the best version of myself every day. In doing so, I was able to achieve rank faster than most in my rate."
Reyes serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means opportunity,” Reyes said. "Only 1% of the country serves in the military and being a part of the select few allows me to head to work with pride every single day."
Reyes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Master Chief Maldonado,” Reyes added. "She knew the job inside and out and taught me a lot. She also helped push me to excellence and has helped me have the successful career I have today.”