U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Lompoc, California, native and 2017 Lompoc High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Leonardo Calvo has served in the Navy for one year and is a U.S. Navy information systems technican aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy information systems technican, Calvo is responsible for maintaining the commands network, as well as, establishing voice and data communications.
Calvo credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lompoc.
“There is always room for growth, whether you're learning about your profession or about your peers, the more knowledge and connection you have will lead to easier day to day responsibilities,” said Calvo.
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, Calvo is most proud of aiding fellow information systems technicians to bring the network back up after bringing it down when moving out of dry dock.
“I realize the importance of our network and how it can affect the command,” said Calvo.
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 Calvo 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 was something Calvo's friends inspired him to do.
“My good friends Sergio Nava and Mike Coxey were the main influences in my decision to join,” said Calvo. “Both of my friends always pushed me to chase my passions and to not settle for anything greater than what you deserve. They are also sailors and knew me joining would open me up to greater opportunities.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Calvo 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 representing the diversity of the nation, as well as, protecting the freedom and rights of all people,” added Calvo.
As a Navy information systems technican, Calvo is responsible for maintaining the commands network, as well as, establishing voice and data communications.
Calvo credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lompoc.
“There is always room for growth, whether you're learning about your profession or about your peers, the more knowledge and connection you have will lead to easier day to day responsibilities,” said Calvo.
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, Calvo is most proud of aiding fellow information systems technicians to bring the network back up after bringing it down when moving out of dry dock.
“I realize the importance of our network and how it can affect the command,” said Calvo.
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 Calvo 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 was something Calvo's friends inspired him to do.
“My good friends Sergio Nava and Mike Coxey were the main influences in my decision to join,” said Calvo. “Both of my friends always pushed me to chase my passions and to not settle for anything greater than what you deserve. They are also sailors and knew me joining would open me up to greater opportunities.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Calvo 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 representing the diversity of the nation, as well as, protecting the freedom and rights of all people,” added Calvo.