YOKOSUKA, Japan- Seaman John Rodriguez, a native of Los Angeles, California, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Rodriguez graduated from Esteban E. Torres High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Los Angeles.
“Growing up and being taught to respect your elders and those above you has helped me here in the Navy,” said Rodriguez. “I learned from a young age how to have tough skin and keep my mind on the task in front of me.”
Rodriguez joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to get out of my small town and put myself on a trajectory for greatness," said Rodriguez. “The Navy provides individuals with the ability to learn, earn a paycheck and serve my country.”
USS John Finn, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy 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 USS John Finn. 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% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Rodriguez serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Rodriguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say that I have been able to visit and travel to so many amazing countries,” said Rodriguez. “Being the first person in my family to be in the military and to be able to give back to this country is an amazing feeling.”
Rodriguez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of a team that always has each other's back,” said Rodriguez. “We all come together to make the world a better place and help people sleep safe at night.”
Rodriguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Emily, for raising me to be the man I am today,” added Rodriguez. “I work hard every day to make her and the rest of my family proud.”