SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Erick Quezadahuerta, a native of North Las Vegas, Nevada, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Quezadahuerta graduated from West Prep High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in North Las Vegas
“I learned growing up the importance of respect,” Quezadahuerta said. "In the Navy, there are so many different personalities, and having the ability to remain respectful with every single one of your peers will allow you to work effectively with anyone."
Quezadahuerta joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Quezadahuerta serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
“I joined the Navy to have new opportunities and to help my family,” Quezadahuerta said. "A family friend told me the best options in the military were either the Navy or the Air Force. I ultimately chose the Navy because I found myself aligned with them the most. I selected culinary specialist (submarines) because it provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to work somewhere I could never work again. Submarine life is unlike anything else. Waking up in a world-class submarine is a surreal experience every day."
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Quezadahuerta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was making the rank of petty officer second class during my first contract,” Quezadahuerta said. "In four years I was able to get promoted from E-1 to E-5. Seeing the culmination of my hard work and support from my peers to achieve the rank I aspired to be was a defining moment in my career.”
Quezadahuerta 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 helping my family and friends,” Quezadahuerta said. "The Navy has created more friendships than I could have imagined. To have the opportunity to serve this country and my family while seeing the world has been an amazing experience."
Quezadahuerta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my brothers, Omar and Allan,” Quezadahuerta said. "They pushed me every step of the way to allow me to get to where I am today in my career. I also want to thank Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Bequette and Machinist's Mate (Auxiliary) Master Chief Joshua Clark for their guidance throughout the years. I wouldn't be a second class or at the job I am today without them."
Quezadahuerta offered words of advice to those considering a career in the Navy.
“If you are going to join the Navy, make it the best four years you possibly can,” Quezadahuerta added, "Make new friends, see new places and make the most of the opportunities it will present you. From being stationed in Hawaii to reenlisting off the coast of Japan in a submarine, I have had opportunities I couldn't have imagined. This journey has been unlike anything else I have experienced.”