SAN DIEGO - Chief Petty Officer Rayan Philipe Lao, from San Pablo City, Philippines, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those Lao learned in childhood.
“My parents instilled in me the importance of perseverance, dedication and having a strong work ethic,” said Lao. “In the Navy, we are far away from home and we only have each other, so we need to be able to persevere to complete our missions.”
Lao joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Lao serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be a nurse and travel,” Lao said. “The Navy provided that opportunity.”
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.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those Lao learned in childhood.
“My parents instilled in me the importance of perseverance, dedication and having a strong work ethic,” said Lao. “In the Navy, we are far away from home and we only have each other, so we need to be able to persevere to complete our missions.”
Lao joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Lao serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be a nurse and travel,” Lao said. “The Navy provided that opportunity.”
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.
Lao has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being selected to be a chief petty officer because I can develop the next generation of sailors based on all the lessons and experiences I’ve had throughout my career,” Lao said.
Lao 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 provides me the opportunity to give back to the country,” Lao said. “I moved here when I was a kid. I want to pay the country back for all the opportunities I was given.”
Lao is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for instilling in me the importance of perseverance and for teaching me to help those around me,” Lao added. “I also want to thank my friends in the Navy for mentoring me when I first joined.”
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.
Lao has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being selected to be a chief petty officer because I can develop the next generation of sailors based on all the lessons and experiences I’ve had throughout my career,” Lao said.
Lao 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 provides me the opportunity to give back to the country,” Lao said. “I moved here when I was a kid. I want to pay the country back for all the opportunities I was given.”
Lao is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for instilling in me the importance of perseverance and for teaching me to help those around me,” Lao added. “I also want to thank my friends in the Navy for mentoring me when I first joined.”