SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Luna, a native of Montgomery, Illinois, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
Luna graduated from Oswego East High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Montgomery.
“Growing up, my parents always taught me to be a hard worker and to strive for what I want because it will not just be given to me,” Luna said. “When I first got here, I didn’t know how things worked or how I would make rank. However, I gave 100% with everything I was handed and put myself out there to get noticed and be seen as dependable. That helped give me a positive reputation and has made me a better sailor and teammate.”
Luna joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Luna serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“As a kid, I went to the library and read books about World War II and engineering,” Luna said. “So, when I saw the aviation ordnanceman rate, it just made sense. I was also inspired to join by my grandfather and uncle who served in the Mexican army.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
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.
Luna has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer third class after only being on the ship for a year because I was up against people with more experience and time,” Luna said. “I made it by putting myself out there and giving 100% in everything I did.”
Luna serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Luna graduated from Oswego East High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Montgomery.
“Growing up, my parents always taught me to be a hard worker and to strive for what I want because it will not just be given to me,” Luna said. “When I first got here, I didn’t know how things worked or how I would make rank. However, I gave 100% with everything I was handed and put myself out there to get noticed and be seen as dependable. That helped give me a positive reputation and has made me a better sailor and teammate.”
Luna joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Luna serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“As a kid, I went to the library and read books about World War II and engineering,” Luna said. “So, when I saw the aviation ordnanceman rate, it just made sense. I was also inspired to join by my grandfather and uncle who served in the Mexican army.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
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.
Luna has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer third class after only being on the ship for a year because I was up against people with more experience and time,” Luna said. “I made it by putting myself out there and giving 100% in everything I did.”
Luna serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I am proud to serve my country and proud to be in America,” Luna said.
Luna is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my friend, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Juan Del Toro, for guiding me and for helping me understand how to move forward in my career,” Luna added. “He was my mentor and would help ensure that I was doing the right things to get ahead in my career. I also want to thank my parents, Aracely Cides and Mario Luna, for always believing I could achieve whatever I set my mind to and for always being there to talk to me.”