SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Anastasia Flores, a native of Woodland, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
Flores graduated from Woodland High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Woodland
“I learned growing up how to appreciate family,” Flores said. "Growing up, our town valued families above all else. The Navy itself is a family and we always take care of one another. This allows us to succeed in our mission every day.”
Flores joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Flores serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy to follow in my family's footsteps,” Flores said. "I am fifth generation military and first generation in the Navy. I always looked up to my mom growing up and I wanted to follow in her footsteps while creating amazing memories myself. I have also always loved the ocean so I felt drawn to join the Navy. Originally I wanted to be a corpsman but the Navy led me to being a master-at-arms. It wasn't the job I originally intended, but I consider myself lucky every day I got selected for it."
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.
Flores has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I would definitely say my daughter, Remi Mae, is my proudest accomplishment,” Flores said. "I thought my first duty station in Japan would be a detriment but it actually was where I met her dad. If it wasn't for the Navy, I wouldn't have her. She is the biggest motivation to keep going every single day."
Flores 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 is pride,” Flores said. "I have the opportunity to take pride in my work every day. I can reflect on my life and see myself grow mentally and physically stronger while I serve a purpose greater than myself. The Navy has provided the opportunity for me to see that I am capable of anything. Lastly, being in the Navy means that you can find family anywhere. The Navy has created a family for me everywhere I have gone, and these friendships are with all types of people I would've never imagined."
Serving in the Navy has provided Flores with unique and memorable experiences.
“The stories that the Navy has made are the best stories I will ever have,” Flores said. "From diving off the coast of Japan to swimming with sharks in Singapore to playing with tigers in Thailand and wild nights with my sailors, the Navy has created some of the best experiences I could’ve ever imagined.”
Flores is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Charlene Miller, first and foremost,” Flores added. "She has been the best support system from day one. I would also like to thank Chuck Miller, my grandfather, for providing me unyielding advice. I also want to thank my uncles, Chase Miller and Brian Reynolds, for leading by example. They all supported me making the big jump to join the Navy to propel my life to where it is today. If it wasn't for their support, I wouldn't have been strong enough to reenlist or take orders across the world. They are always pushing me to take every opportunity that I can.”