PEARL HARBOR – Seaman Apprentice Johnny Reyes, a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland is serving aboard USS Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite |
Reyes, a 2022 graduate of Gaithersburg High School, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy because my cousin, a Marine, inspired me to join,” said Reyes. "I wanted to get out of my hometown, explore the world, experience new things and most importantly, make my mom proud."
Today, Reyes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Gaithersburg to succeed in the military.
“My mom always told me that whatever I do, put the most effort, trust the process and the result will show,” said Reyes. "I'm thankful for her because that’s the reason I'm here today."
These lessons have helped Reyes while serving in the Navy.
USS Daniel Inouye is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The 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 Daniel Inouye. 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.
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 Reyes 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 important to national defense because we ensure the safety of our country and freedom of navigation," said Reyes.
Reyes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Other than graduating from boot camp and "A" school, I’m most proud of and surprised at how much I've improved as a person,” said Reyes. "The Navy definitely instilled the vision and discipline I need to be successful in all aspects of life."
As Reyes 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 means representing a million Americans, my hometown and most importantly, my family,” said Reyes. "I enjoy knowing I'm helping to protect the ones I love the most."
Reyes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my recruiter, OS2 Peneto, and my family for supporting me on my Navy journey,” added Reyes.