SAN DIEGO – Fireman Nicolas Ricoruiz, a native of Richmond, Virginia, joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Ricoruiz serves as a machinist's mate aboard USS Tripoli.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy to travel and gain new experiences,” said Ricoruiz.
Growing up in Richmond, Ricoruiz attended Lloyd C. Bird High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Ricoruiz uses the same skills and values learned in Richmond to succeed in the military.
“I always try to strive for success because of the supportive people who have been in my life and helped me along the way,” said Ricoruiz.
That lesson has helped Ricoruiz 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 Ricoruiz 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 are always on standby and always ready in case of a global disaster or emergency,” said Ricoruiz.
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.”
Ricoruiz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of my damage control qualifications because it was a challenge and the skills will help me to protect and repair the ships I serve aboard,” said Ricoruiz.
As Ricoruiz 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 serving a bigger cause than myself,” added Ricoruiz.