U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Fresno, California, native and 2010 Fresno High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
A Navy fire controlman, Moreno is responsible for maintaining fire control and weapon systems on board.
Moreno credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Fresno.
“I learned a lot of lessons from my family like being respectful and just having the drive to work hard," said Moreno. "That’ll get you far in the Navy.”
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, Moreno is most proud of earning the enlisted surface warfare pin.
“In my opinion, ESWS is the hardest qualification because you not only have to know your rate but know the whole ship, how it functions and how we all play a part in mission readiness,” said Moreno.
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 Moreno 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 Moreno, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Moreno is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father served in the Army,” said Moreno. “Seeing my friends succeed in the military is what convinced me to join. Also hearing how the military could secure my future is what gave me the last little push I needed.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Moreno 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, to me, means being proud of the country we serve," added Moreno. "It means having pride in all that you do and in the sacrifice we make to serve our country.”