CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A Corpus Christi, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy supporting the training of naval aviation personnel and air operations.
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| Photo by Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcelino Vega, a 2015 graduate of Banquete High School in Banquete, Texas, and 2019 Eastern New Mexico University graduate, joined the Navy over two years ago.
“I joined the Navy in order to benefit myself and my family with a safe and enjoyable lifestyle,” said Vega.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Corpus Christi.
“Growing up, I learned that the hungry hand gets fed,” said Vega. “In the Navy, I continuously try to learn and get qualified in the next position.”
Vega serves as an air traffic controller with Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. NAS Corpus Christi provides service and facilities support of Chief of Naval Air Training and Corpus Christi Army Depot.
“Without us, pilots can be uncontrolled flying whenever and wherever they want,” said Vega. “We maintain safe and orderly expedition of flights.”
The air training program focuses on the increased complexity of today’s aircraft. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. These aircraft take off from and land on Navy aircraft carriers at sea.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
Since USS Langley's commissioning 100 years ago, the nation's aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
"The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy's centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence," said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. "These ships touch every part of our Navy's mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries."
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 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.”
Serving in the Navy means Vega is part of a team 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.
“The Navy is instrumental in securing our skies with our aircraft, as well as the ocean’s security,” said Vega.
Vega has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being nominated for Blue Jacket of the Year,” said Vega. “It shows that I am working hard and other people are seeing it as well.”
As Vega and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is fulfilling to me and something that I am proud to do,” said Vega. “I am protecting the country our ancestors fought for and the one our family will fight to protect as well.”
Vega is grateful to loved ones back home for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank God for putting me in this position, my mother for guiding and watching over me, my wife for being my rock, my kids for being my reason and all of my family for always supporting me,” added Vega.