SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class RJ Juan, a native of Los Angeles, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Juan graduated from Bravo Medical Magnet High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Los Angeles.
“The lessons that have helped me in my career have definitely been having a strong work ethic, being resilient, overcoming obstacles and staying strong mentally,” Juan said. “Applying these lessons has helped me get promoted in a short amount of time, helped me take advantage of the opportunities in front of me and have helped me overcome challenges.”
Juan joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Juan serves as a personnel specialist.
“Joining the Navy was an opportunity for me to give back to the country,” Juan said. “I’m from the Philippines originally. The United States gave me and my family a new beginning, and I wanted to give back.”
Members of HSM 49 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.
Juan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’ve received five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and won Sailor of the Quarter three times, most recently for the fourth quarter of 2024,” Juan said. “I’m proud of those receiving those honors because it meant I’m able to be a positive role model for junior sailors to emulate.”
Juan 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 giving back to my country and being able to serve the people,” Juan said. “I’m thankful to the Navy for all the opportunities it’s provided for myself and my family, like traveling the world and living overseas.”
Juan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife and my parents for supporting me throughout the years,” Juan added. “I also want to thank my leaders, past and present, good and bad, for helping me discern what kind of leader I’d like to be.”