SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Xoelyn Prado, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Prado graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“Two lessons I learned from my hometown are to lay low and work hard,” Prado said. “In the Navy, if you just do as you’re told and don’t complain, everything will work out in your favor. You may not be getting recognition, but everything eventually works out in your favor.”
Prado joined the Navy 1 1/2 years ago. Today, Prado serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy because it seemed fun and I wanted to have my own sea stories,” Prado said. “I also wanted to be able to say I did it.”
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 |
Prado graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“Two lessons I learned from my hometown are to lay low and work hard,” Prado said. “In the Navy, if you just do as you’re told and don’t complain, everything will work out in your favor. You may not be getting recognition, but everything eventually works out in your favor.”
Prado joined the Navy 1 1/2 years ago. Today, Prado serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy because it seemed fun and I wanted to have my own sea stories,” Prado said. “I also wanted to be able to say I did it.”
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.
Prado has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being able to do something I enjoy and that I think is fun every day,” Prado said.
Prado 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 get to perform my job to the best of my ability and help and motivate others,” Prado said.
Prado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, my lead petty officer, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Pacheco and my mentor, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Villa, for helping me throughout my Navy career,” Prado added.
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.
Prado has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being able to do something I enjoy and that I think is fun every day,” Prado said.
Prado 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 get to perform my job to the best of my ability and help and motivate others,” Prado said.
Prado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, my lead petty officer, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Pacheco and my mentor, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Villa, for helping me throughout my Navy career,” Prado added.