BOSTON - Airman Sofia Valenzuela Toriz, a native of Mission Valley in San Diego, California, is one of more than 60 sailors celebrating America’s 249 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.
Valenzuela Toriz graduated from Assurance Learning Academy in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mission Valley.
“I learned a good work ethic growing up, and I’ve always been able to provide for myself,” Valenzuela Toriz said. “My hometown also taught me how to be thick-skinned and to focus on my work, no matter the amount of external distractions.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Valenzuela Toriz graduated from Assurance Learning Academy in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mission Valley.
“I learned a good work ethic growing up, and I’ve always been able to provide for myself,” Valenzuela Toriz said. “My hometown also taught me how to be thick-skinned and to focus on my work, no matter the amount of external distractions.”
Valenzuela Toriz joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to be completely self-sufficient, and I wanted to be the first one from my siblings to help my parents,” Valenzuela Toriz said.
Launched from a Boston shipyard in October 1797, Constitution is the only surviving vessel of the Navy’s original six frigates and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels in its nearly 60 years of active service.
Now, 227 years after its launch, Constitution’s primary mission is education and outreach, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors aboard each year. Its crew of more than 60 sailors is hand-picked to preserve and protect Constitution, while promoting naval history, maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. The ship’s original missions of defending American interests and protecting sea lanes to ensure commerce remain at the forefront of the Navy’s mission today.
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.
Valenzuela Toriz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being chosen to be the 1% of the 1% to serve on board the USS Constitution,” Valenzuela Toriz said.
Valenzuela Toriz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving my country gives me an amazing sense of pride and keeps me motivated never to be subpar,” Valenzuela Toriz said. “It also means finally being completely independent and being able to help my parents.”
Valenzuela Toriz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to share my gratitude to my grandmother and mother for their love and support, no matter what I decide for my future,” Valenzuela Toriz added. “They show me that they trust my judgement completely. I also want to thank my soon-to-be baby and my parents.”