SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Precious Aguirre, a sailor from Tafuna Village, American Samoa, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Aguirre graduated from Manumalo Academy in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tafuna Village.
“I graduated in the top five of my class, and that taught me that hard work is rewarded,” Aguirre said. “In the Navy, you have to work hard because there are no shortcuts. I also learned to take every opportunity I get.”
Aguirre joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Aguirre serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be independent,” Aguirre said. “I didn’t want to rely on my parents for support and I wanted to help them retire.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Aguirre graduated from Manumalo Academy in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tafuna Village.
“I graduated in the top five of my class, and that taught me that hard work is rewarded,” Aguirre said. “In the Navy, you have to work hard because there are no shortcuts. I also learned to take every opportunity I get.”
Aguirre joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Aguirre serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be independent,” Aguirre said. “I didn’t want to rely on my parents for support and I wanted to help them retire.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Aguirre has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning the rank of petty officer second class within a year and a half of being in the Navy,” Aguirre said. “I am proud of that because a lot of people struggle to gain rank, and it shows that my hard work paid off. I am really proud of myself for that.”
Aguirre 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 independence,” Aguirre said. “It means I can do my own thing while providing for my family. It also means having a lot of discipline.”
Aguirre is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my stepdad, Cristobal Florido, for encouraging me to join the Navy,” Aguirre added. “I also want to thank my mom, Maria Gladystella Florido, for supporting me throughout my entire career. She has given me a lot of advice, which has helped me succeed throughout my time in the Navy.”
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.
Aguirre has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning the rank of petty officer second class within a year and a half of being in the Navy,” Aguirre said. “I am proud of that because a lot of people struggle to gain rank, and it shows that my hard work paid off. I am really proud of myself for that.”
Aguirre 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 independence,” Aguirre said. “It means I can do my own thing while providing for my family. It also means having a lot of discipline.”
Aguirre is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my stepdad, Cristobal Florido, for encouraging me to join the Navy,” Aguirre added. “I also want to thank my mom, Maria Gladystella Florido, for supporting me throughout my entire career. She has given me a lot of advice, which has helped me succeed throughout my time in the Navy.”