SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Sinai Ortigoza, a native of Seaside, California, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Ortigoza graduated from Seaside in 2021.
Ortigoza joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Ortigoza serves as a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical).
“I joined the Navy to make a better life for myself and become more independent,” said Ortigoza. "I learned how to take initiative and presented opportunities for leadership."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Seaside.
“I knew that traveling and becoming an engineer was important to me,” said Ortigoza. "Seeing the opportunities that the Navy had for someone being where I am from, I wanted to take that chance."
SWRMC is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) that provides superior ship maintenance, modernization, technical support and training for the Pacific Fleet.
According to Navy officials, NAVSEA’s mission is to design, build, deliver and maintain ships, submarines and systems for the U.S. Navy. NAVSEA manages more than 150 acquisition programs and has more than 75,000 civilian and military employees at 33 activities in 16 states and three overseas continents.
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.
Ortigoza serves a Navy that operates 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.”
Ortigoza has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is making my family proud,” said Ortigoza. "I am the first in my family to join. My siblings have been very supportive, and I feel that I am able to be a role model to my younger siblings."
Ortigoza can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means allowing to become a better person,” said Ortigoza. "I used to be very shy and introverted. The Navy has allowed me to become more open and willing to approach others."
Ortigoza is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to thank my siblings Jessica, Luis, Abraham, and Elijah for being proud of me and supporting me through my journey,” added Ortigoza. "They made me feel like I made the right choice and didn't make me feel bad for leaving. I would also like to wish all my friends and family on the USS Green Bay a safe and successful homeport shift."