JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Airman Apprentice Maximus Rivera, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 45 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Rivera, a 2022 graduate of Central High School, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy for educational opportunities, to expand my horizons and to make my parents proud of me,” said Rivera.
Today, Rivera relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Milwaukee to succeed in the military.
“I learned a good work ethic, humility and to appreciate all aspects of life from growing up in a household where one parent worked and from the struggles we experienced as a family,” said Rivera.
These lessons have helped Rivera while serving in the Navy.
VP 45 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea nd 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 Rivera 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 U.S. Navy is instrumental to national defense by maintaining the security and peace of mind of freedom and democracy,” said Rivera.
Rivera and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from boot camp because I proved to myself that I could do it while proving my doubters wrong,” said Rivera.
As Rivera 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 makes my family proud and it gives my little brother something to look up to and strive for,” said Rivera.
Rivera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Theresa, and my father, Jeffrey, for turning me into the person that I am today,” added Rivera. "I would also like to thank my little brother, Dominic, for being my best friend and to those for not believing in me that I could make it. It gave me the drive to succeed."