SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Rojas, a native of Oxnard, California, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Rojas graduated from Mira Costa Community College in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oxnard
“I learned resilience and adaptability from overcoming the challenges I faced from growing up having an unstable childhood,” Rojas said. “From that, I matured a lot faster than people my age and I was able to become more independent. That upbringing has allowed me to connect with sailors and be a better mentor to them.”
Rojas joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Rojas serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy for more opportunities because I did not have a lot of options back at home,” Rojas said. “I chose the Navy because it allowed me a better start in life and it allowed me to set myself up for success.”
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.
Rojas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making rank pretty quickly,” Rojas said. “I made petty officer second class in three years and that was a pretty big accomplishment for me because I joined as a seaman recruit. I started at the very bottom, and to get here, I learned a lot about myself and surprised myself.”
Rojas 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 I am doing something to protect my family and friends,” Rojas said. “It also means I am being a great example for my son.”
Rojas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my wife, Jenna, for sticking by my side throughout everything,” Rojas added. “I also want to thank my kid, Benny, for giving me the motivation to become a better person. Lastly, I want to thank my parents, Natalie and Oscar, for helping guide me in the right direction.”