SAN DIEGO – Airman Zaira Marez, a native of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Marez serves as an aviation boatswain's mate aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“It was my dream to join the Navy,” said Marez. “ I wanted to be the first person in my family to serve.”
Growing up in Rio Rancho, Marez attended V. Sue Cleveland High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Marez uses the same skills and values learned in Rio Rancho to succeed in the military.
“I observed things that were wrong around me so I would know what not to do,” said Marez. “This ability has served me well in the Navy because I’m able to observe, allowing me to learn faster.”
That lesson has continued to help Marez 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 Marez 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.
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.”
Marez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“During my military training school that allowed me to serve in my current position I stepped out of my comfort zone and was a section leader, when I'm usually a very quiet person,” said Marez. “I’m very proud of myself for that.”
As Marez 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.
“To me, serving in the Navy means I can be a part of a positive change in our country,” added Marez. “It gives me a chance to learn new things and grow as a person.”