GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Vasquez Cruz, a native of Andrews, Texas, is one of those sailors.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Yale |
Vasquez Cruz is a steelworker currently serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Vasquez Cruz graduated from Andrews High School in 2022. Vasquez Cruz joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to become the first in my family to do so and to fight for freedom,” said Vasquez Cruz. “I chose the Navy because it is more three-dimensional than the other branches because we serve on land, sea and air. The Navy had more opportunities to offer.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Andrews.
“Andrews High School taught me to never give up and my parents taught me to follow God and serve with honor,” said Vasquez Cruz. “I got three promotions within 10 months of joining. I took a collateral duty position in boot camp, when I got to my school I was promoted to constructionman and graduated at the top of my class. I was promoted to petty officer third class when I got here. That all took hard work and I had to stand out to be able to do all that.”
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.
Vasquez Cruz 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.”
Vasquez Cruz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is the fact that I joined as a constructionman recruit and was promoted three times in 10 months,” said Vasquez Cruz. “I’m also proud that I was the only steelworker in Alfa Company during deployment where I received a Safe Seabee of the Quarter coin.”
Vasquez Cruz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” said Vasquez Cruz. “It gives me a chance to do things I could never do outside of the Navy.”
Vasquez Cruz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Santiago and Yajaira Cuellar, and my family and friends for always being supportive in what I do,” said Vasquez Cruz.