MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Rodiguez, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Marinette, in Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
Rodiguez, a 2004 graduate of Reading Senior High School, joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I joined the Navy to fulfill my dream to serve my country and see the world,” said Rodiguez. "I also joined for the educational opportunities to complete my degree."
Today, Rodiguez relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Reading to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to always put my best foot forward,” said Rodiguez. "I always want someone's first impression of me to be a positive one."
These lessons have helped Rodiguez while serving in the Navy.
Marinette will be 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 Rodiguez 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 continually training and preparing sailors to always stand ready to protect our country,” said Rodiguez.
Rodiguez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of advancing to first class and becoming a Navy counselor,” said Rodiguez. "I really enjoy helping sailors both professionally and personally."
As Rodiguez 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 brings pride and honor to me,” said Rodiguez. "Being able to serve on behalf of my family and friends, allowing them to enjoy their freedoms."
Rodiguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my wife, Gina Sanchez,” said Rodiguez. "She's been there from the beginning and has supported me and our family.”
“I was able to graduate from Devry University with my Bachelor of Science in Accounting and earned my Master of Human Resources from Penn State University,” added Rodiguez. "Always follow your dream because you never know where it will take you."