SAN DIEGO – Airman Apprentice Jonathan Ruiz, a native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Ruiz joined the Navy almost a year ago. Today, Ruiz serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“My brother inspired me and encouraged me to join the Navy,” said Ruiz. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and he showed me I could do that in the military.”
Growing up in Las Cruces, Ruiz attended Gadsden High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Ruiz uses the same skills and values learned in Las Cruces to succeed in the military.
“Growing up I was the youngest child,” said Ruiz. “I was on my own a lot and that taught me independence and responsibility. I think that really helped me prepare for the Navy.”
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
“The men and women of VRM 30 deliver lethality and combat effectiveness to the Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Steve Parente, VRM 30’s commanding officer. “Through the sustainment of high priority logistics and critical personnel, our worldwide deployable CMV-22 Detachments directly enable the combat power of the world’s most powerful Navy anytime, anywhere. The Titans are extremely proud of their significant responsibility and steadfast service in the defense of our great nation.”
Serving in the Navy means Ruiz is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our presence is shown around the world to project power and maintain peace,” said Ruiz.
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.”
Ruiz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Graduating boot camp is my proudest naval accomplishment,” said Ruiz. “It was a unique experience. The sense of pride I felt knowing I made it and made my family proud was something I won’t ever forget.”
As Ruiz 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.
“Being a sailor means more than just serving,” added Ruiz. “It means being a part of a purpose and something that matters on a larger scale. I'm helping keep someone safe at night.”