YOKOSUKA, Japan. - Airman Shellyannette Hernandez-Crescioni, a native of San Antonio, serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Hernandez-Crescioni graduated from East Central High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“I learned growing up that even if you feel alone, you're not alone,” said Hernandez-Crescioni. “You have people that will help you out. Here I learned to talk to people more so that you don't feel so alone.”
Hernandez-Crescioni joined the Navy one year years ago. Today, Hernandez-Crescioni serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy to get out of the house,” said Hernandez-Crescioni. ”I also joined to earn money for college.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Hernandez-Crescioni 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.”
Hernandez-Crescioni has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of getting my Messenger of the Watch qualification,” said Hernandez-Crescioni.
Hernandez-Crescioni can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that I'm braver than I used to be and that I'm putting my life into helping others,” said Hernandez-Crescioni.
Hernandez-Crescioni is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom,” added Hernandez-Crescioni. "She is always giving me support and she wants me to do things she has never done before while having fun."