MAYPORT, Fla. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Nora Velazquez, a native of Richmond, Virginia, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Neigel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Velazquez, a 2004 graduate of Meadowbrook High School, joined the Navy 19 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to go to college, travel the world and to set a good example for my little sisters,” said Velazquez. "I've earned my bachelor's degree and visited 27 countries."
Today, Velazquez relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Richmond to succeed in the military.
“I learned that my hometown is what I call home, and it brings good memories when I hear the name,” said Velazquez. "During the stressful times of my career, I think about home and my family and it reminds me why I do what I do."
These lessons have helped Velazquez while serving in the Navy.
NAVSTA Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville area. Mayport is home to a busy seaport as well as an air facility, and has an 8,000 ft. runway capable of handling any aircraft in DoD inventory.
The mission of NAVSTA Mayport is to sustain and enhance warfighter readiness. The Navy at Mayport covers 3,409 acres and is the third largest naval facility in the continental United States. NAVSTA Mayport is home to more than 70 tenant commands and is home to the U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet and the Navy’s first Triton squadron, according to Navy officials.
NAVSTA Mayport was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Put simply, Mayport was selected as the best out of all U.S. Navy installations Fleet-wide.
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 Velazquez 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.
“We are the key to deterring terrorism,” said Velazquez. "There are many jobs in the Navy and they combine to help us accomplish the mission."
Velazquez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“There are two that come to mind,” said Velazquez. "My family and making the rank of senior chief. My family was there to see my promotion."
As Velazquez 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 that I have a lot of responsibility, not just to my family but to all citizens,” said Velazquez. "I don't want to say I have a calling, but serving is a good way to set an example to my children. Not necessarily for them to serve in the military, but to serve others."
Velazquez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Being from El Salvador, if it wasn’t for my family, I would not have had the opportunity to serve,” said Velazquez. "My uncle and aunt, Jorge and Dina Cortez, and my aunts, Gloria Fajna and Lidia Tyree, brought my parents, sisters and me to the United States, which allowed me to join the Navy."
“I'd especially like to thank my husband, Isramil, and my children,” added Velazquez. "They give me the motivation and support that I need to continue."
NAVSTA Mayport was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Put simply, Mayport was selected as the best out of all U.S. Navy installations Fleet-wide.
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 Velazquez 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.
“We are the key to deterring terrorism,” said Velazquez. "There are many jobs in the Navy and they combine to help us accomplish the mission."
Velazquez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“There are two that come to mind,” said Velazquez. "My family and making the rank of senior chief. My family was there to see my promotion."
As Velazquez 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 that I have a lot of responsibility, not just to my family but to all citizens,” said Velazquez. "I don't want to say I have a calling, but serving is a good way to set an example to my children. Not necessarily for them to serve in the military, but to serve others."
Velazquez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Being from El Salvador, if it wasn’t for my family, I would not have had the opportunity to serve,” said Velazquez. "My uncle and aunt, Jorge and Dina Cortez, and my aunts, Gloria Fajna and Lidia Tyree, brought my parents, sisters and me to the United States, which allowed me to join the Navy."
“I'd especially like to thank my husband, Isramil, and my children,” added Velazquez. "They give me the motivation and support that I need to continue."