SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Victoria Brunzell, a native of Hacienda Heights, California, was inspired to join the Navy by her veteran grandfather.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
"He was a WWII vet and he always inspired me by his stories," Brunzell said. "He was always so proud to wear the uniform. I always wanted to join since I was in high school."
Now, six years later, Brunzell serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“It's challenging," Brunzell said. "I like to see the team aspect of it. Even though everyone is in separate departments, in the end we all come togther to enhance and support the mission."
Brunzell, a 2005 graduate of Yucca Valley High School, is a yeoman aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“As a yeoman I provide customer service and adminstrative support for 1,200 sailors,” said Brunzell.
Brunzell credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Hacienda Heights.
“I learned it's never too late to learn," Brunzell said. "No matter where you're at in life you can always progress and learn something new every day."
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Brunzell is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Brunzell is most proud of being selected by the admiral to join an investigation team following an active shooter incident in 2013.
“A big part of that was learning how the Navy can better deter, prepare and execute during active shooter situations,” Brunzell said. “I was so junior in the Navy, so to be asked to do something that was going to help the Navy as a whole made a big impact on me.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Brunzell and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being bigger than yourself,” Brunzell said. “Being selfless. Being proud of where you come from and what you represent.”
Now, six years later, Brunzell serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“It's challenging," Brunzell said. "I like to see the team aspect of it. Even though everyone is in separate departments, in the end we all come togther to enhance and support the mission."
Brunzell, a 2005 graduate of Yucca Valley High School, is a yeoman aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“As a yeoman I provide customer service and adminstrative support for 1,200 sailors,” said Brunzell.
Brunzell credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Hacienda Heights.
“I learned it's never too late to learn," Brunzell said. "No matter where you're at in life you can always progress and learn something new every day."
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Brunzell is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Brunzell is most proud of being selected by the admiral to join an investigation team following an active shooter incident in 2013.
“A big part of that was learning how the Navy can better deter, prepare and execute during active shooter situations,” Brunzell said. “I was so junior in the Navy, so to be asked to do something that was going to help the Navy as a whole made a big impact on me.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Brunzell and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being bigger than yourself,” Brunzell said. “Being selfless. Being proud of where you come from and what you represent.”