MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Downey, California, native will return to San Diego from a seven-month deployment serving aboard USS Stockdale, a U.S. Navy warship that recently conducted operations in the Middle East.
“I joined the Navy to support my country and create a path that leads me to success,” Gallegos said.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Downey.
“Growing up in my hometown, I played sports year-round which taught me the importance of coming together and working as a team," Gallegos said. "That has helped me succeed in the Navy because at the end of the day, it's you and your shipmates coming together and working as a team to defend what's important."
While on its seven-month deployment, USS Stockdale conducted combat operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden, maintaining free and open sea lanes and regional stability. Stockdale also built continuing relationships with the militaries of Egypt and the Republic of Maldives, important partners of the United States.
“Participating in this deployment has been extremely rewarding to me and one of my proudest moments that I can look back on in the future," Gallegos said. "The workups had their ups and downs as anything in life, but it's all worth it in the end when you're able to execute everything you trained for."
Homeported in San Diego, Stockdale is a guided-missile destroyer and the third U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, an aviator who was awarded the Medal of Honor based on his service in the Vietnam War, during which time he was a prisoner of war for over seven years.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
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.
Gallegos can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me," Gallegos added. "Being in the Navy gave me the chance to travel the world, build great friendships that will last a lifetime, set myself up for success and give back to my country, family, and those who wanted to serve but weren't able to."