U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Caguas, Puerto Rico, native and 2001 Jose Gautier Benitez High School, 2005 Universidad de Puerto Rico en Cayey and 2013 Universidad Interameriana Recinto Metropolitano graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Seaman Lee Orta Garcia has served in the Navy for six months and is a U.S. Navy quartermaster aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy quartermaster, Orta Garcia is responsible for helping the ship navigate where it needs to go.
Orta Garcia credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Caguas.
“When Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, we were without electricity for six months," said Garcia. "We had to overcome the struggle to live each day. I joined the Navy to face the challenge of learning English and becoming a better human.”
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Orta Garcia is most proud of earning Professional Mariner of the Month for November 2018 on December 3, 2018 for her volunteer work in the community.
“It means a lot to me because it represents my passion for bringing the Navy and community together," said Garcia. "The Navy protects the nation, but we can care for and protect in many ways. Volunteering to serve the community is another way sailors can demonstrate their care.”
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Orta Garcia is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
Serving in the Navy is not a continuing tradition of military service for Orta Garcia, but she is honored to serve.
“I am the first,” said Orta Garcia. “By joining the military first, I have opened the door for other members of my family to join. The Navy is an opportunity to change one's life through access to education, financial wellness, and personal development. Ultimately, the Navy is an opportunity to grow the character of people.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Orta Garcia and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is my God-given opportunity to help people in a different way than I did before,” added Orta Garcia.
A Navy quartermaster, Orta Garcia is responsible for helping the ship navigate where it needs to go.
Orta Garcia credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Caguas.
“When Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, we were without electricity for six months," said Garcia. "We had to overcome the struggle to live each day. I joined the Navy to face the challenge of learning English and becoming a better human.”
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Orta Garcia is most proud of earning Professional Mariner of the Month for November 2018 on December 3, 2018 for her volunteer work in the community.
“It means a lot to me because it represents my passion for bringing the Navy and community together," said Garcia. "The Navy protects the nation, but we can care for and protect in many ways. Volunteering to serve the community is another way sailors can demonstrate their care.”
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Orta Garcia is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
Serving in the Navy is not a continuing tradition of military service for Orta Garcia, but she is honored to serve.
“I am the first,” said Orta Garcia. “By joining the military first, I have opened the door for other members of my family to join. The Navy is an opportunity to change one's life through access to education, financial wellness, and personal development. Ultimately, the Navy is an opportunity to grow the character of people.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Orta Garcia and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is my God-given opportunity to help people in a different way than I did before,” added Orta Garcia.