NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alicia Rosales, a native of Pope Valley, 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 |
Rosales graduated from Hiram W. Johnson High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pope Valley.
“In my hometown, I learned the value of community,” Rosales said. “I come from a small town where everyone knows everyone. We didn’t have a lot, but we made do with what we had. That upbringing taught me to work hard for what I wanted and not expect anything to be handed to me. This mindset has shaped my Navy career.”
Rosales joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Rosales serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to have a better life, and job security was also a big factor that attracted me,” Rosales said. “My uncle served as well, and he always talked about how much he loved it, so I thought I would join to have a similar experience.”
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.
Rosales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My greatest accomplishment so far has been receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” Rosales said. “I earned it during my time at my command for my dedication to keeping track of every repairable part on the boat. I am proud of that because I put a lot of time and effort into that program.”
Rosales 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 being part of something bigger than yourself,” Rosales said. “It’s about accomplishing goals and creating a better start in life than I would have had without the Navy.”
Rosales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for always supporting me, especially my grandparents, uncles and aunts,” Rosales added. “Their support has been a constant source of strength for me.”