MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Ana Perez, a native of Robstown, Texas, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Neigel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Perez, a 2011 graduate of Robstown High School, joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and for educational opportunities,” said Perez. "If I would have stayed in Robstown, I probably would not have had the chance to visit London and Dubai."
Today, Perez relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Robstown to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned attention to detail,” said Perez. "My mom is very organized and growing up with her helped me in my job in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Perez 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 Perez 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.
“I was on an aircraft carrier and saw how the Navy protects the country from both the water and the air,” said Perez.
Perez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of the growth I've experienced,” said Perez. "With all of the experiences and knowledge I've gained in the Navy, I really love who I am now."
As Perez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means loving what I'm doing,” said Perez. "Knowing how much more I can become in the Navy keeps me serving."
Perez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom, Veronica Martinez, for giving me the courage to overcome a lot of obstacles,” said Perez. "I'd like to thank my entire family as well."
“Since arriving in Mayport, I've started on a fitness journey,” added Perez. "I'm taking care of myself."
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 Perez 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.
“I was on an aircraft carrier and saw how the Navy protects the country from both the water and the air,” said Perez.
Perez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of the growth I've experienced,” said Perez. "With all of the experiences and knowledge I've gained in the Navy, I really love who I am now."
As Perez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means loving what I'm doing,” said Perez. "Knowing how much more I can become in the Navy keeps me serving."
Perez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom, Veronica Martinez, for giving me the courage to overcome a lot of obstacles,” said Perez. "I'd like to thank my entire family as well."
“Since arriving in Mayport, I've started on a fitness journey,” added Perez. "I'm taking care of myself."