SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Torres, a native of Lakeland, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50 located in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Torres joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Torres serves as a structural mechanic (aviation) supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“I joined the Navy because of a combination of wanting to make my family and friends proud and also wanting adventure,” said Torres. "I've always wanted to see the world and I knew the Navy would provide me the opportunity to do that. My father was also previously in the Navy, so that helped me choose to become a sailor."
Growing up in Lakeland, Torres attended Haines City High School and graduated in 2006. Today, Torres uses the same skills and values learned in Lakeland to succeed in the military.
“All my life I've heard the phrase 'needs and wants, needs and wants',” said Torres. "Your wants don't always allow you to be successful. First you have to get what you need. Everything else is just the cherry on top."
These lessons have helped Torres while serving in 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.
“I’m amazed by what our sailors at VRM 50 have achieved over the past 10 months,” said Cmdr. Eric Ponsart, VRM 50's commanding officer. “Standing up the Navy’s newest Fleet Replacement squadron from scratch and having it ready to receive its first aircraft is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the mission. It’s been an honor serving side-by-side with these fellow SunHawks. We look forward to delivering the best pilots and aircrew to the fleet.”
Serving in the Navy means Torres 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.
“The Navy contributes to national security by providing a layer of defense via the ocean,” said Torres.
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.”
Torres and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment was earning my surface pin,” said Torres. "I was serving aboard USS Rosevelt when the pandemic hit. That provided a lot of obstacles, but with the support of my mentors and the skills the Navy has provided me, I was able to accomplish my mission."
As Torres 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 everything to me,” added Torres. "It's helped me carry myself. It's changed my perspective on life. It's everything."