SEATTLE - Petty Officer 2nd Class Erick Garcianava, a native of Chicago, Illinois, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.
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| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
Garcianava graduated from Muchin College Prep in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chicago.
“I was an EMT on the South Side of Chicago and from that I am able to apply how to work in chaotic situations and not get overwhelmed,” said Garcianava.
Garcianava joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Garcianava serves as a hull maintenance technician.
“I joined the Navy because I saw an ad about the pararescue team on my computer and got excited to be able to do something like that,” said Garcianava.
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 Barry. 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.
“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.”
Garcianava has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud that my command recognized my drive and work ethic by meritoriously promoting me twice, back to back,” said Garcianava. “I kept pushing myself because I knew that there was a lot to do and well, I like to get things done.”
Garcianava serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy means that there will be a lot of expectations held on you, as well as sacrifices to be made,” said Garcianava. “The sacrifices are never easy, but someone has to do it. There is a reason why only a certain percentage of the population serves. There aren’t many of us and a lot of people here make peace with the fact that we were asked to sacrifice a lot and we have to wear multiple hats. We all do what we have to do and not many people are able to do that.”
Garcianava is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I can’t specifically give my gratitude to just one person because there are so many people who got me here and I’m grateful for each person that I call my family, friends and mentors,” added Garcianava.