MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelica Flores-Gonzalez, a native of Orlando, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Station Mayport.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orlando.
“I played basketball since sixth grade through college on a scholarship,” Flores-Gonzalez said. "The experience shaped my strong work ethic, teamwork and collaboration skills, leadership, discipline, perseverance, integrity, decision-making and ability to perform under pressure."
Flores-Gonzalez joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Flores-Gonzalez serves as a master-at-arms.
“After obtaining my bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2021, my life still lacked structure and purpose,” Flores-Gonzalez said. "At the age of 24, I was inspired to forge a better path for my career and see the world."
Since its commissioning in 1942, Naval Station Mayport has grown to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States. Boasting both a large harbor and an 8,000-foot runway capable of handling any military aircraft in use, Naval Station Mayport is home to more than 80 commands, including 22 ships and three helicopter squadrons.
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-Gonzalez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being a distinguished top graduate from A-school, which resulted in an accelerated advancement to third class,” Flores-Gonzalez said. "I would also like to thank Master Chief Colley, who recognized my potential and selected me for a special duty supporting the security supply system. It is an honor to be part of the solution to the significant challenges it has been facing."
Flores-Gonzalez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I am the first in my family to serve in the Navy, an honor that I will carry for the rest of my life,” Flores-Gonzalez said.
Flores-Gonzalez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for their ongoing support,” Flores-Gonzalez said. "I would also like to thank my high school coaches, Cindy Richardson and Ashley Felton, for believing in me and serving as maternal influences. Their constant push for excellence and the importance of education helped me become Athlete of the Year."
“I would like to pursue my master's degree in criminal justice,” Flores-Gonzalez said.