SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Ruiz, a native of Chula Vista, California, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Ruiz graduated from Otay Ranch High School in 2017. Additionally, Ruiz is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in business administration through California State University Channel Islands.
Ruiz joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Ruiz serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy because I needed something positive in my life,” Ruiz said. “I didn’t have anything much going on. I’m from the San Diego area and it’s a big Navy town, so the Navy has always been an option ever since I was little. It was really cool when I was a kid, seeing guys come around in uniform. I had a couple of friends join the Navy, and they told me about the benefits the Navy offered, including things like the signing bonus.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Ruiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was part of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard before coming to this command and my proudest moment was taking part in Joe Biden’s Presidential Inauguration,” Ruiz said. “I was the bottom left rifleman at the Capitol. I’m proud that I was a part of that and history in Washington, D.C. I’m proud of my time in the Ceremonial Guard.”
Ruiz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy means being part of a pretty cool culture,” Ruiz said. “At first, it was just a job but now it’s more than that. There’s pride in being in the Navy and pride in being an American. It becomes part of your identity. A lot of people will scrutinize you for holding the Navy in such high regard, but why wouldn’t you be proud of being in the Navy? With my service, I’m representing myself, my family and my neighborhood.”
Ruiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Oreydi, because all the success that people throw my way is a success I attribute to both of us,” Ruiz said. “We moved across the country. We have three kids, Avangeline, Ariel and Amador. We’ve made a lot of sacrifices between us. We’ve been through a lot and I wouldn’t be able to do anything without her. I also want to thank my dad, Michael. He was born in Mexico, raised six kids by himself, and taught us to always do the right thing, especially when nobody’s looking.”
Ruiz also coaches the varsity basketball team at Bayfront Charter High School.
“I want to give a shoutout to the team,” Ruiz added. “We’ve got a winning record and I hope we have a deep run in the San Diego Divisional Playoffs."