SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Sacramento Lopez, a native of Wilmington, California, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Base Point Loma.
Lopez graduated from Phineas Banning High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wilmington.
“Growing up, I learned to be respectful of others and to learn from the mistakes I made,” Lopez said. “You have to respect others to have a positive work environment in the Navy. It is also OK if you make mistakes, but you have to learn from them so you don’t do it again.”
Lopez joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Lopez serves as a submarine yeoman.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t accepted into the universities I wanted to attend,” Lopez said. “The nurse assistant at my high school also mentioned the Navy as an option, and he even called the recruiter for me because I wasn’t contacting them myself. Five years later, here I am.”
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.
Lopez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my ‘dolphins’ or submarine warfare device,” Lopez said. “I’m proud of that because it feels great to be part of an exceptional group of sailors in the Silent Service.”
Lopez 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 that I help keep our country free,” Lopez said.
Lopez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I first want to thank my wife, Irene, and my mom, Yolanda, for supporting me,” Lopez added. “I also want to thank my school nurse, Derek, for calling the recruiter who got me into the Navy because I wouldn’t be here without him. Lastly, I want to thank my previous and current command for supporting the decisions I’ve made throughout my career.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Lopez graduated from Phineas Banning High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wilmington.
“Growing up, I learned to be respectful of others and to learn from the mistakes I made,” Lopez said. “You have to respect others to have a positive work environment in the Navy. It is also OK if you make mistakes, but you have to learn from them so you don’t do it again.”
Lopez joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Lopez serves as a submarine yeoman.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t accepted into the universities I wanted to attend,” Lopez said. “The nurse assistant at my high school also mentioned the Navy as an option, and he even called the recruiter for me because I wasn’t contacting them myself. Five years later, here I am.”
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.
Lopez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my ‘dolphins’ or submarine warfare device,” Lopez said. “I’m proud of that because it feels great to be part of an exceptional group of sailors in the Silent Service.”
Lopez 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 that I help keep our country free,” Lopez said.
Lopez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I first want to thank my wife, Irene, and my mom, Yolanda, for supporting me,” Lopez added. “I also want to thank my school nurse, Derek, for calling the recruiter who got me into the Navy because I wouldn’t be here without him. Lastly, I want to thank my previous and current command for supporting the decisions I’ve made throughout my career.”