SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Yandeira Marte, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts, joined the Navy for school and benefits.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
Now, two years later, Marte serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
A 2015 graduate of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Marte is a yeoman aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I’m an admin clerk but I'm also a master helmsman," said Marte. "I started out in deck department so I still have the opportunity to drive the ship.”
A 2015 graduate of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Marte is a yeoman aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I’m an admin clerk but I'm also a master helmsman," said Marte. "I started out in deck department so I still have the opportunity to drive the ship.”
Marte credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lynn.
“Initiative, it taught me how to always take the first step forward," said Marte. "Just because others aren't doing their best, you should still do yours.”
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.
“I became really good friends with some of the Marines,” said Marte.
Serving in the Navy means Marte 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.
America is a maritime nation, and 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, Marte is most proud of being master helmsman and making rank.
“I was able to work in front of a lot of senior leaders and show them I was able to earn the qualifications and do the job,” said Marte.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Marte 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 I can be a good representative to my younger brothers,” said Marte.