SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Adrian Falucho, a native of Pearl City, Hawaii, was inspried to join the Navy by his uncle.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
"He retired in the Navy and basically adopted me and my siblings,” Falucho said.
Now, 11 years later, Falucho serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“It's always busy aboard the ship, especially in the personnel department,” said Falucho.
Falucho, a 1998 graduate of Magsaysay Memorial College in San Narciso Zambales, Philippines, is a personnel specialist aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I'm the administrative lead petty officer, so basically I take care of sailors' pay and everything regarding personnel matters,” said Falucho.
Falucho credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Pearl City.
“I learned to be responsible and to be accountable,” said Falucho.
Now, 11 years later, Falucho serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“It's always busy aboard the ship, especially in the personnel department,” said Falucho.
Falucho, a 1998 graduate of Magsaysay Memorial College in San Narciso Zambales, Philippines, is a personnel specialist aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I'm the administrative lead petty officer, so basically I take care of sailors' pay and everything regarding personnel matters,” said Falucho.
Falucho credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Pearl City.
“I learned to be responsible and to be accountable,” said Falucho.
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.
“The Marines have high military bearing,” said Falucho.
Serving in the Navy means Falucho 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, Falucho is most proud of being promoted to first class petty officer and leading other sailors.
“You see them growing up in their career and it gives you a warm feeling that you did your job right,” said Falucho.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Falucho 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 giving back to sailors and the community,” said Falucho.