MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Monica Ovalle, a native of Hayward, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Paul Hamilton, a guided-missile destroyer.
Ovalle joined the Navy three years ago. Today Ovalle serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy to experience things on my own and learn how to make my own decisions,” said Ovalle. “I also wanted to make an example for my younger cousins.”
Ovalle attended Castro Valley High School and graduated in 2019.
Today, Ovalle relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hayward to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in my hometown I started working at the age of 14 which made me have a strong work ethic,” said Ovalle. “My first job was a retirement home in Castro Valley and I had a few people tell me I should join the Navy. Their stories stuck with me.”
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Paul Hamilton. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
As a member of the Navy, Ovalle is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by being present everywhere in the world to help our allies and our country stay safe,” said Ovalle.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Ovalle and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being named Blue Jacket of the Quarter,” said Ovalle. “I am also proud of being there for sailors through mental health challenges.”
As Ovalle and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to better myself on a day-to-day basis,” added Ovalle.