YOKOSUKA, Japan - Chief Petty Officer Karen Navarro, a native of Merced, 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 |
Navarro graduated from Golden Valley High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Merced.
“Growing up, I learned that there are more experiences out there in the world,” said Navarro. “I wanted to experience other cultures and ways of life and the Navy has allowed me to do that.”
Navarro joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Navarro serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to continue my education and to see the world,” said Navarro.
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 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.
Navarro 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.”
Navarro has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was earning the rank of chief petty officer because I didn't make chief by myself,” said Navarro. “Everyone involved in my career has helped me get to this point.”
Navarro can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I am assisting in protecting our country, continuing to learn a new trade, helping sailors and meeting different branches of the military all over the world,” said Navarro.
Navarro is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and my sisters,” added Navarro. “They are the reason why I joined. They helped me and were very supportive of my decision to serve. I would also like to thank my husband and my daughter because they continually sacrifice their time so that I can pursue my career.”