SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Ybarra, a native of Corcoran, California, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Ybarra graduated from Corcoran High School in 2013. Additionally, Ybarra earned an associate degree in child development, psychology and behavior science from the College of the Sequoias in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corcoran.
“Growing up, I learned to enjoy the simple things,” Ybarra said. “When it comes to basic stuff, like food, a lot of people complain, but growing up rough, I know that it can be so much worse.”
Ybarra joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Ybarra serves as an electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy for the educational benefits,” Ybarra said. “Once COVID happened, there was no money to pay for further education. I do plan to go back to school.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Ybarra has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of finishing my first deployment and getting the full Navy experience,” Ybarra said. “I feel like I always wanted to join the military and the Navy because I like the water. Being out to sea was fulfilling for me.”
Ybarra 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 means a lot to me,” Ybarra said. “It’s a huge family of some of the best people you’ll ever meet.”
Ybarra is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Rachel, and grandmother, Teresa Villarreal, for everything they’ve done for me,” Ybarra added.