U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Clifton, New Jersey, native and 2016 Clifton High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Seaman Julian Lopez has served in the Navy for two years and is a U.S. Navy boatswain's mate aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy boatswain's mate, Lopez is responsible for getting the ship underway, driving the ship and executing shipboard evolutions.
Lopez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Clifton.
“While back at home I worked at a boat marina called Liberty Landing Marina," said Lopez. "We fueled up any type of vessel and handled the lines of the boat the proper way. This gave me a big boost in my Navy career.”
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, Lopez is most proud of being fully accomplished as a coxswain for driving RHIBs. Lopez is also LSE qualified which is being in charge of guiding aircraft to land on the flight deck of a warship.
“These jobs make me feel happy about my work and my day,” said Lopez.
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.
As a Navy boatswain's mate, Lopez is responsible for getting the ship underway, driving the ship and executing shipboard evolutions.
Lopez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Clifton.
“While back at home I worked at a boat marina called Liberty Landing Marina," said Lopez. "We fueled up any type of vessel and handled the lines of the boat the proper way. This gave me a big boost in my Navy career.”
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, Lopez is most proud of being fully accomplished as a coxswain for driving RHIBs. Lopez is also LSE qualified which is being in charge of guiding aircraft to land on the flight deck of a warship.
“These jobs make me feel happy about my work and my day,” said Lopez.
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 Lopez 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 a continuing tradition of military service for Lopez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Lopez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My cousin was in the Army and retired as an E-7 after serving 20 years. My brother joined the military after me because he seen what the military has to offer me,” said Lopez. “My previous job before the military pushed me and encouraged me to join the Navy.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Lopez 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 means that you are protecting our country and risking everything and the people you love to serve in the Navy,” added Lopez.
“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 a continuing tradition of military service for Lopez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Lopez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My cousin was in the Army and retired as an E-7 after serving 20 years. My brother joined the military after me because he seen what the military has to offer me,” said Lopez. “My previous job before the military pushed me and encouraged me to join the Navy.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Lopez 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 means that you are protecting our country and risking everything and the people you love to serve in the Navy,” added Lopez.