OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Aviators in the U.S. Navy fly some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft in modern history. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air are the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Dominic Morenosalazar, a native of Mesa, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Morenosalazar graduated from Desert Ridge High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mesa.
“Growing up in my hometown left a lasting impression on my work ethic,” said Morenosalazar. "Arizona is notorious for its heat, and working construction in the summer is no joke. The lesson I learned from that job is patience. The other valuable lessons came from my father and mother who taught me to work hard and be respectful."
Morenosalazar joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Morenosalazar serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy for multiple reasons,” said Morenosalazar. "My father served in the Army as an 82nd Airborne paratrooper. My best friend served in the Navy aboard USS Wasp."
FRCNW is the premier intermediate maintenance activity of the Pacific Northwest. With more than 1,000 sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, FRCNW provides intermediate and more sophisticated depot-level repair of more than 12,500 different aviation components. Repair services are provided for jet engines, airframes, avionics, armament, aviation life support systems, ejection seats and more than 2,300 pieces of support equipment directly supporting 22 local and deployed squadrons, 10 aircraft carriers, three overseas operational sites and numerous Pacific Northwest Regional commands and activities.
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.
Morenosalazar serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Morenosalazar has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being named Sailor of the Quarter earlier this year,” said Morenosalazar.
Morenosalazar can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I represent those who have gone through the same struggles before, so it means a lot,” said Morenosalazar.
Morenosalazar is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Corina Moreno, and my dad, Henry Salazar, for raising me with good values,” added Morenosalazar. "The values they taught me growing up has kept me on the right track."