SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Oscar Celadon, a native of Downey, 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 |
Celadon graduated from Warren High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Downey.
“I learned growing up how to have a strong ethic,” Celadon said. "I take my work ethic everywhere I go, and the harder I work, the more doors that open for myself."
Celadon joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Celadon serves as a retail services specialist.
“Being a first-generation Mexican-American, I wanted to serve my country in the highest honor,” Celadon said. "The military provided me the opportunity to make a name for my family in the United States. I also always wanted to join."
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.
Celadon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is earning Blue Jacket of the Quarter,” Celadon said. "My work ethic allowed me to carry forward a strong product every day and helped me achieve that goal. I also take pride in the way I hold myself regardless of what’s happening.”
Celadon serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“It's an honor to serve something bigger than myself,” Celadon said. "I get to go to work every day proud of what I do and excited to see the people around me. Joining was one of the best decisions I made. Enlisting has molded me into the man I am today. I wouldn't have my wife or daughter if I didn't have the opportunities that the Navy provided.”
Celadon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank God first off for guiding me here,” Celadon added. "I also want to thank my wife and mother who have supported me and have been there for me every step of the way. They pushed me every day while on deployment, knowing I was keeping them safe and keeping food on the table."