SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Antonio Zacatecas, a native of Ventura, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
Zacatecas graduated from Ventura High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ventura
“I learned growing up that I could do anything that I set my mind to,” Zacatecas said. "The nuclear pipeline is the most intensive training I have ever experienced and it has a high attrition rate. However, I was able to maintain a positive mindset despite the rigorous circumstances. On a submarine, the challenges you face are extremely unique to that environment. Very rarely do you have a good frame of reference to solve a problem. When you shut the hatch and dive hundreds of feet under water, you are left to your own devices to solve the problems you encounter."
Zacatecas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Zacatecas serves as a machinist's mate (nuclear).
“In high school, I didn't set myself up well for college,” Zacatecas said. "I didn't want to go to community college or accrue any debt. The Navy afforded the opportunity to develop professionally while having educational opportunities for the future. I chose the Navy because when I went to the recruiting office, the Navy was the only one there. The job I selected also had the best advancement opportunities and the best opportunities in the civilian sector with transferable skills. The bonuses helped as well."
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.
Zacatecas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is qualifying as the engineering watch supervisor at 24 years old,” Zacatecas said. "To be my age in charge of operating a nuclear reactor on a submarine is a responsibility I never would've imagined I would have at this age. As one of the youngest to fill this role, it is a humbling honor."
Zacatecas 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 has provided a stepping stone,” Zacatecas said. "It has propelled my career and provided me opportunities I never could’ve imagined. It has been by far the best opportunity I had after high school."
Zacatecas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my first ship,” Zacatecas said. "The machinery division on the USS Annapolis was second to none. The camaraderie we had was unparalleled and the bonds we fortified with one another were unbreakable. The ship created another family that I will have for the rest of my life."
Zacatecas offered words of advice to those considering a career in the Navy.
“If you are unsure of what you want to do in life, the military is a reasonably good choice because of the opportunities it creates,” Zacatecas added. “You not only get paid, but you receive a myriad of benefits that will propel you towards success. From education to home loans, you can leverage the military to create endless opportunities for yourself. I have been to Korea, Japan, Hawaii and Australia because of the Navy. The travel opportunities in the Navy are unmatched."