SAN DIEGO – Seaman Cinthia Perez, a native of Kennesaw, Georgia, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Perez serves as an aviation boatswain's mate aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I made the decision to join the Navy for travel and education opportunities,” said Perez.
Growing up in Kennesaw, Perez attended Kennesaw Mountain High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Perez uses the same skills and values learned in Kennesaw to succeed in the military.
“In Kennesaw, we are all about helping each other so I try to do that here too,” Perez said. “I do my job and I stay humble.”
These lessons have helped Perez while serving in the Navy.
USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.
“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task -- get this ship ready," said Capt. John Kiefaber, Tripoli's executive officer. "They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continued to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn't be more proud."
Serving in the Navy means Perez 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 protect the seas and help keep peace,” said Perez. “We also help other countries when they need our help.”
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.
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.”
Perez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was the first in my family to graduate from high school and the first to join the military,” Perez said. “Graduating boot camp and having the opportunity to serve my country gives me a strong sense of pride.”
As Perez and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means that I'm able to help protect my country and help people in need,” added Perez.