SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Courtney Melgoza, a native of Donna, Texas, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Melgoza graduated from Edcouch-Elsa Early College High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Donna.
“We have a saying, ‘Viva la maquina,’ which means to keep the machine running,” Melgoza said. “It is important to keep quiet until you fully know something and it is better to ask for help if you do not understand something.”
Melgoza joined the Navy seven months ago. Today, Melgoza serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy to travel the world, get new life experiences and take advantage of the educational benefits,” Melgoza said.
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.
Melgoza has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of still being here because I didn’t think I would make it this far,” Melgoza said. “I don’t think anyone thought I would make it this far and I got to prove them wrong.”
Melgoza 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 pride, honor, courage and commitment,” Melgoza said.
Melgoza is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my law teacher, Adrian Guerra, for being my support system and for always encouraging me,” Melgoza added. “I also want to thank my mom, Velma Gonzales, for constantly trying to take care of me. Lastly, I want to thank my boyfriend, Adan Lopez, for preparing me for the Navy.”