MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexandra Pacheco, a native of La Grange, Kentucky, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Pacheco, a 2019 graduate of Oldham County High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I'm an indecisive person and didn't think I knew exactly what I wanted to do in college,” said Pacheco. "I didn't want to waste my time not knowing what I should be pursuing as a career."
Today, Pacheco relies upon skills and values similar to those found in La Grange to succeed in the military.
“One of the lessons from my hometown that have always stuck with me throughout my time in the Navy is to stay true to my character,” said Pacheco. "The environment back home is much more different when you compare it to military life, but I have to continue to be who I am."
These lessons have helped Pacheco while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham 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 Jason Dunham. 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 Pacheco 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 contributes to national defense by assisting the other branches through the protection from enemy contacts on land, sea and air combat,” said Pacheco. "The Navy is just a piece of what contributes to the defense of our nation, but without them, the nation would not be where it is today."
Pacheco and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments was being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in my second year in the Navy,” said Pacheco. "I am also proud of enlisting in the Navy.”
As Pacheco 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 having the strength to be here today, not only for myself but so others don't have to serve,” said Pacheco.
Pacheco is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my boyfriend, Jose Martinez, for helping me throughout my journey in the Navy,” said Pacheco. "After all these years, he has stuck right by my side like no one else."
“I plan on going to college,” added Pacheco. "I would like to study computer science at the University of Louisville."
Serving in the Navy means Pacheco 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 contributes to national defense by assisting the other branches through the protection from enemy contacts on land, sea and air combat,” said Pacheco. "The Navy is just a piece of what contributes to the defense of our nation, but without them, the nation would not be where it is today."
Pacheco and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments was being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in my second year in the Navy,” said Pacheco. "I am also proud of enlisting in the Navy.”
As Pacheco 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 having the strength to be here today, not only for myself but so others don't have to serve,” said Pacheco.
Pacheco is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my boyfriend, Jose Martinez, for helping me throughout my journey in the Navy,” said Pacheco. "After all these years, he has stuck right by my side like no one else."
“I plan on going to college,” added Pacheco. "I would like to study computer science at the University of Louisville."