SAN DIEGO - Airman Ximena Ruiz, a native of Dallas, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23.
Ruiz graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dallas.
“Growing up, I was heavily involved in athletics,” Ruiz said. “I learned early on you are never going to be proficient at something right away and that all it takes is practice. I learned that with diligence if you set your mind to anything, you will find yourself more capable than you imagined.”
Ruiz joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Ruiz serves as an aviation electrician’s mate.
“Growing up, I often saw several military personnel, and I always dreamed of following in their footsteps,” Ruiz said. “In middle school, I had a teacher who shared his sea stories, and I was motivated to follow in his footsteps. The more sea stories I heard, the more I felt drawn to the organization and the opportunities it provided. I tried to go to the recruiters right away. I originally thought I would join as a hospital corpsman, but my recruiter advised me to work in aviation to have experience in a profession that would translate well after my time in the Navy.”
Members of HSC-23 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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’m most proud of being an honor graduate at boot camp,” Ruiz said. “I received the Military Excellence Award and was assigned as recruit chief petty officer. These were all a testament to my commitment to excellence from the very start.”
Ruiz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“The Navy has meant endless opportunities for me,” Ruiz said. “I learned that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I have the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate to others that hard work always breeds success.”
Ruiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” Ruiz added. “My Aunt Gabby and Uncle Alfredo have always provided the support I needed to perform at my highest level. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family. I know they are always rooting for me and have always pushed me to never give up. I also want to thank my fiancé, who has always provided me the sound advice and support I need.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Ruiz graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dallas.
“Growing up, I was heavily involved in athletics,” Ruiz said. “I learned early on you are never going to be proficient at something right away and that all it takes is practice. I learned that with diligence if you set your mind to anything, you will find yourself more capable than you imagined.”
Ruiz joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Ruiz serves as an aviation electrician’s mate.
“Growing up, I often saw several military personnel, and I always dreamed of following in their footsteps,” Ruiz said. “In middle school, I had a teacher who shared his sea stories, and I was motivated to follow in his footsteps. The more sea stories I heard, the more I felt drawn to the organization and the opportunities it provided. I tried to go to the recruiters right away. I originally thought I would join as a hospital corpsman, but my recruiter advised me to work in aviation to have experience in a profession that would translate well after my time in the Navy.”
Members of HSC-23 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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’m most proud of being an honor graduate at boot camp,” Ruiz said. “I received the Military Excellence Award and was assigned as recruit chief petty officer. These were all a testament to my commitment to excellence from the very start.”
Ruiz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“The Navy has meant endless opportunities for me,” Ruiz said. “I learned that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I have the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate to others that hard work always breeds success.”
Ruiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” Ruiz added. “My Aunt Gabby and Uncle Alfredo have always provided the support I needed to perform at my highest level. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family. I know they are always rooting for me and have always pushed me to never give up. I also want to thank my fiancé, who has always provided me the sound advice and support I need.”