SEATTLE - Petty Officer 2nd Class Rodrigo Olivares, a native of San Diego, California, 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 |
Olivares graduated from Montgomery High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up, I learned a hard work ethic from my family and the importance of teamwork from competing in sports, like wrestling,” said Olivares. “My family taught me to always try my best and get the job done. Wrestling taught me that you can be from any background or anywhere but as long as you work hard and do your best, you can achieve your goals.”
Olivares joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Olivares serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I came from a military background and wanted to avoid the traditional college route,” said Olivares. “On my mom’s side of the family, we have family members who were in the Army and Marines and my dad served in the Army. After high school, I didn’t know what to do yet but I didn’t want to waste time and money in college because I wasn’t sure. So, I started looking at the Navy. I did a lot of sports as a kid and my wrestling coach and my track coach both served in the Navy. They told stories about what they’d done and seen while serving and it sounded interesting.”
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.”
Olivares has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of receiving Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and advancing in rank,” said Olivares. “I’m also proud I was able to visit several countries.”
Olivares serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to grow and understand my future goals,” said Olivares.
Olivares is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for their endless support wherever I am,” said Olivares. “I also want to thank my friends and the leaders I’ve had along the way.”
Olivares plans to continue their education and wants to work as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician after they leave the Navy.
Olivares offered encouragement to anyone in need.
“Stay tough and true to yourself," added Olivares. “Forge your own path.”
“Stay tough and true to yourself," added Olivares. “Forge your own path.”