By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Coamo, Puerto Rico, native is serving with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 embarked on board USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
"I keep track of aircraft components while at the same time, keeping track of the support equipment that maintainers use to work on planes," said Ramos Torres.
Ramos Torres joined the Navy over three years ago to experience something different outside of Puerto Rico and to go to college.
According to Ramos Torres, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Puerto Rico.
"My parents taught me values like respect, humility, punctuality and dedication," said Ramos Torres. "This has helped me advance professionally and be who I am now."
VFA 113 also known as the "Stingers," is a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, currently embarked on board USS Carl Vinson. They are an operational fleet F/A-18E Super Hornet squadron attached to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2). The F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft is the world's most advanced strike fighter. Designed to operate from a carrier, the Super Hornet is fully capable in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
"The things I like most about my command is the diversity, the good people that make you feel like family, and working with aircrafts," said Ramos Torres.
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Carl Vinson is named in honor of Georgia Congressman Carl Vinson. Vinson was the first to serve a 50-year term and earned the nickname “The Father of the Two Ocean Navy" based on his push to increase funding for naval power. This paved the way for expanding the United States Navy.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection operations in support of U.S. and coalition forces.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Ramos Torres is most proud of achieveing his personal goals.
"I was able to buy my dream cars, I have my own house now, and I learned English while serving in the Navy," said Ramos Torres.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Ramos Torres, 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.
“Being in the Navy helps me show my family that their hard work raising me has put me in a position to helps others," added Ramos Torres.