MAYPORT, Fla. - Fireman Luis Reyes, a native of Riverside, California, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Reyes, a 2021 graduate of Orange Vista, joined the Navy eight months ago.
“I joined the Navy to get a better understanding of skills I have not yet obtained, like working with tools and equipment I’m not familiar with, and teaching in front of an audience,” said Reyes.
Today, Reyes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Riverside to succeed in the military.
“Lessons that I have carried on from my hometown are good ethics and staying optimistic, no matter what barriers I may face,” said Reyes.
These lessons have helped Reyes while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 contributes security to our oceans and trade routes, so we can maintain our economy,” said Reyes.
Reyes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being the top graduate for my Damage Controlman School,” said Reyes. “This was a testament to my hard work and dedication coming to fruition.”
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 protecting my country, being a part of something that’s bigger than myself and protecting my loved ones,” said Reyes.
Reyes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Damage Controlman 2nd Class DeLeon serving aboard Winston S. Churchill for everything I’ve learned here so far,” added Reyes. “I couldn’t have asked for better guidance.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Reyes, a 2021 graduate of Orange Vista, joined the Navy eight months ago.
“I joined the Navy to get a better understanding of skills I have not yet obtained, like working with tools and equipment I’m not familiar with, and teaching in front of an audience,” said Reyes.
Today, Reyes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Riverside to succeed in the military.
“Lessons that I have carried on from my hometown are good ethics and staying optimistic, no matter what barriers I may face,” said Reyes.
These lessons have helped Reyes while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 contributes security to our oceans and trade routes, so we can maintain our economy,” said Reyes.
Reyes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being the top graduate for my Damage Controlman School,” said Reyes. “This was a testament to my hard work and dedication coming to fruition.”
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 protecting my country, being a part of something that’s bigger than myself and protecting my loved ones,” said Reyes.
Reyes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Damage Controlman 2nd Class DeLeon serving aboard Winston S. Churchill for everything I’ve learned here so far,” added Reyes. “I couldn’t have asked for better guidance.”