SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Carlos Landivar Escobar, a native of Newark, New Jersey, 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 |
Landivar Escobar graduated from Christ The King Newark Preparatory School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Newark.
“Coming into the Navy, I was able to leverage the social skills I developed growing up,” Landivar Escobar said. "The Navy is truly about working as a cohesive unit. All we have is the team around us and being able to work effectively with my peers has made my transition to the Navy much more seamless.”
Landivar Escobar joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Landivar Escobar serves as a machinist's mate.
“I joined the Navy because it provided a stepping stone to my dream career,” Landivar Escobar said. "I chose the Navy specifically because it provided the best job opportunities out of all the branches. It also allowed me to pursue free education while professionally developing in engineering, a profession I always wanted to go into after school."
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.
Landivar Escobar has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment would be earning Blue Jacket of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the Year,” Landivar Escobar said. "Blue Jacket of the Quarter and Year are awards that recognize excellence for junior enlisted. I am proud of earning those awards because very few sailors get selected for them So, when I was selected, it spoke volumes about my efforts these past years to pursue the best version of myself every day.”
Landivar Escobar 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 pursuing an opportunity unlike any other,” Landivar Escobar said. "It has been an experience that I wouldn't have anywhere else. Only 1% of the country serves in the military. It has had its highs and lows and no job is perfect, but the Navy has provided the best people and opportunities I could've ever imagined."
Landivar Escobar is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, father and sister for being supportive of me every step of the way,” Landivar Escobar said. "Since the day I enlisted, they have been by my side. I also want to thank my chain of command for pushing me to be the best version of myself every day. They always provide me with the training and resources I need to excel and I hope to return the favor one day to other future sailors. Every sailor is more capable than they believe."
Landivar Escobar offered words of advice to those considering a career in the Navy.
“Look at what you want to do in your career if you consider enlisting,” Landivar Escobar added. "Many people go into the Navy unsure of what they want to do. It is important to come in with a plan beforehand. If you come in with the right plan, the Navy will provide all the resources you need to succeed."