SAN DIEGO - Nearly seven years ago, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Arvizu joined the Navy because he saw the sense of discipline and direction the Marines gave his brother. He is now serving aboard USS Boxer.
“My favorite part is actually seeing the systems work, like doing missile exercises,” said Arvizu.
Arvizu is a 2007 Veteran's High School graduate and native of Mission, Texas.
According to Arvizu, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mission.
“I remember the same recruiting office in the plaza I would pass to get to and from work,” said Arvizu. “I saw the ‘accelerate your life’ slogan and the commercials that would come on the TV at work.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Arvizu is most proud of operating the console for the missile shoot prior to his second deployment.
“A lot of fire controlmen don’t get to see it shoot during their time at sea,” said Arvizu. “I was lucky to be there when they implemented missile exercises so it was cool to be able to be there.”
For Arvizu, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Arvizu hopes to continue.
“My brother joined the marines,” said Arvizu. “I saw how it gave him direction and discipline. I wanted that for myself to.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Arvizu, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means forfeiting your freedoms to be able to learn some values and have some experiences you can take with you in your next chapter of life,” said Arvizu.