MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Anaya, a native of El Paso, Texas, serves aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships, USS St. Louis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Anaya, a 2015 graduate of El Dorado High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a better future for myself and my family,” said Anaya. "I also wanted something different that would challenge me."
Today, Anaya relies upon skills and values similar to those found in El Paso to succeed in the military.
“El Paso taught me to have a strong work ethic,” said Anaya. "Growing up, I was taught that no matter what, you have to work hard and stay humble."
These lessons have helped Anaya while serving in the Navy.
St. Louis is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is unique and challenging. The culmination of their 18-month training pipeline, sailors qualify on a virtual reality simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping on board.
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.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Anaya is part of a team 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 Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Anaya.
Anaya and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being advanced to petty officer first class in six years,” said Anaya. "I was really proud to do this at my first command."
As Anaya and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving, at first, felt like a stepping stone to a career field,” said Anaya. "However, as the years pass, I realize I get to represent my family and where I come from with my service."
Anaya is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom and dad, Cleo and Juan, whose support has, and will continue to, fuel me to keep being better,” said Anaya. "I’d also like to thank my siblings who always wanted to set a good example."
“I am the first in my family to join the military,” added Anaya. "My younger brother also joined the Navy and does the same job as I do."