SAN DIEGO - A native of Gilroy, California, and a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Cowpens.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Capt. Victor Garza, a 1997 UCLA graduate, joined the Navy 23 years ago.
“I was working in Los Angeles for TRW Space and Defense and was not happy with my growth,” said Garza. “I talked with a recruiter as a means to build my engineering resume and joined as an officer. I am still building my resume today.”
Garza is the commanding officer for the USS Cowpens.
As the commanding officer, Garza is responsible for leading the organization. There are many people that are responsible for running the ship, but the commanding officer is responsible for the personnel development and the health of the ship and its warfighting capability.
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Cowpens is named after the Revolutionary War Battle of Cowpens, a major American victory near Cowpens, South Carolina. The historic battle weakened British attempts to wrest the southern colonies from American control.
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance, according to Navy officials.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, cruisers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any task overseas.
Serving in the Navy means Garza is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The U.S. Navy deploys national warfighting assets that can fight anywhere in the world,” said Garza. “We have a robust logistics chain so that we can stay on station indefinitely to protect our nation's interest.”
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “ Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Sailors like Garza have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy moment is taking command of the USS Cowpens and her crew of amazing sailors,” said Garza.
As Garza and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Wearing the uniform allows me to lead a team of dedicated sailors to become better each day. Helping them to prepare for when our nation calls us,” added Garza.