MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Isaak Castro, a native of Commerce City, Colorado, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patricia Rodriguez |
“I joined the Navy for career opportunities and to travel the world,” said Castro. "I also wanted to serve my country."
Growing up in Commerce City, Castro attended Prairie View High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Castro finds the values in Commerce City similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Hard work and determination was a big part of how I was raised,” said Castro. "These values apply to the work I do every day."
These lessons have helped Claypool while serving in the Navy.
Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, the LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.
“Serving as the commanding officer of this ship is a great honor,” said Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen. "We're all part of the USS Indianapolis legacy and being part of this crew is incredible. Meeting these 70 Americans, learning their story, knowing how they are continuing a proud legacy is inspiring."
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an extensive training pipeline, sailors must qualify using state-of-the-art simulators that are nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately once they report aboard.
Serving in the Navy means Castro 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.
“We show our presence, not only to protect our country, but also to protect other countries around the world,” said Castro.
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.
Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet, off the coasts of Central and South America, to support counter-narcotics operations and conduct exercises and exchanges with partner nations. The LCS’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making the ship an ideal vessel for these types of engagements.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Castro is most proud of earning two Navy Achievement Medals for his role during USS Billings and USS St. Louis damage control material assessment inspections.
“These awards showed all the hard work that was required to get through those inspections,” said Castro.
As Castro and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Generations before us have sacrificed to protect this country and the world,” added Castro. "It's important that we continue to do so, and I'm proud to be part of that."
“We show our presence, not only to protect our country, but also to protect other countries around the world,” said Castro.
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.
Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet, off the coasts of Central and South America, to support counter-narcotics operations and conduct exercises and exchanges with partner nations. The LCS’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making the ship an ideal vessel for these types of engagements.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Castro is most proud of earning two Navy Achievement Medals for his role during USS Billings and USS St. Louis damage control material assessment inspections.
“These awards showed all the hard work that was required to get through those inspections,” said Castro.
As Castro and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Generations before us have sacrificed to protect this country and the world,” added Castro. "It's important that we continue to do so, and I'm proud to be part of that."