MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Ruby Rodriguez, a native of Long Beach, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravo, Detachment Twentynine Palms, California.
Rodriguez graduated from Paramount High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Long Beach.
“I've learned to never give up, and I will always have my village back home supporting me," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Rodriguez serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy because I love my country and I would do anything I can to protect it," said Rodriguez.
Expeditionary Medical Facility Bravo is a 150-bed facility that can deploy in support of various combat operations. This year it was deployed in support of Operation Keen Sword and integrated with Japanese Self Defense Forces.
Operation Keen Sword is a biennial exercise that began in 1986 to increase combat readiness and improve the working relationship between U.S. and Japanese forces. This year’s training was expected to draw 12,000 U.S. and 33,000 Japanese troops, 40 vessels and 370 aircraft, according to a Joint Staff news release issued on Sept. 26. This year, U.S. sailors and counterparts, treated Marines and Japanese troops with simulated burn, blast and gunshot wounds from an imagined battle. The combined medical team simulated 100 surgeries, treatments for more than 250 patients, and conducted more than 500 casualty movement events. The combined effort, goodwill, and teamwork contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
“HM3 Rodriguez is an outstanding sailor," said EMF Bravo Command Master Chief Shannon Bia. "Her professionalism helped strengthen our partnership with Japanese Self Defense Force medical assets. We are very proud of her performance during Keen Sword 2025.”
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.
Rodriguez 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.”
Rodriguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am proud of serving my country, making my parents proud and being able to wear my stepfather's name on my uniform," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me," said Rodriguez. "I can't wait to reenlist and be alongside the Marines."
Rodriguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my mom and dad back home for always cheering me on," added Rodriguez. "I would also like to thank my uncle for watching over me, protecting me and cheering me on."
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.
Rodriguez 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.”
Rodriguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am proud of serving my country, making my parents proud and being able to wear my stepfather's name on my uniform," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me," said Rodriguez. "I can't wait to reenlist and be alongside the Marines."
Rodriguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my mom and dad back home for always cheering me on," added Rodriguez. "I would also like to thank my uncle for watching over me, protecting me and cheering me on."