NORFOLK, Va. - Seaman Osvaldo Estrada Santos, a native of Fresno, California, serves aboard USS Wasp, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Estrada Santos graduated from Washington Union High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fresno.
“Growing up in a town with limited opportunities, I had to step up and work hard from an early age,” Estrada Santos said. “That has helped shape who I am. The Navy was the perfect place to apply that strong work ethic, and it’s what has driven me forward in my career.”
Estrada Santos joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Estrada Santos serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy for various reasons, such as stability, a better future and for the benefits,” Estrada Santos said. “I wanted to set my family up for stability and provide a better future for my kids, whenever I have them.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Wasp, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Wasp with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
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.
Estrada Santos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud and grateful to have made it through an eight-month deployment,” Estrada Santos said. “I’m really thankful for the strength I had to get through it.”
Estrada Santos 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 a lot to me because it’s given me the opportunity to better myself and travel the world,” Estrada Santos said. “I’ve been able to visit different countries and experience things I never would have otherwise.”
Estrada Santos is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my girlfriend for their loving support,” Estrada Santos added. “Their encouragement has meant the world to me throughout this journey.”