SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Evelyn Olivarez, a native of Los Angeles, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Olivarez graduated from Middle College High School in 2016. Olivarez is also currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in logistics and supply chain management through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Los Angeles.
“My parents taught me that if I set my mind to something, I would achieve it,” Olivarez said. “When I was studying for the petty officer first class exam, my parents told me if I set my mind to it, I would make it. My parents also taught me to work hard. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot and that taught me to work hard.”
Olivarez joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Olivarez serves as a logistics specialist.
“One of my friends enlisted in the Navy, and he told us about it when he came home on leave,” Olivarez said. “My twin sister, Stephanie, and I were also worried about paying for college. My friend told us the Navy would be a good decision because the educational benefits are really good and it would pay for college. My sister and I joined the Navy together to pay for college. She is also here at Naval Air Station North Island at an aviation squadron.”
Members of HSM 41 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.
Olivarez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was making petty officer first class in six years,” Olivarez said. “I’m proud of that because I made petty officer second class in two and a half years. So, when I had the chance to test to advance, I had to take it. I want to keep advancing and moving forward.”
Olivarez 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 because I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was growing up,” Olivarez said. “The Navy helped me find a good path and a good career. I like working as a logistics specialist because it’s something I love doing. I don’t know what I would have been doing if I would have gone to college right out of high school.”
Olivarez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Martin Gutierrez and Ana Hernandez, for always supporting me no matter what I do,” Olivarez added. “I also want to thank my husband, Joe Cortez, for everything he does to help me and our family. We have a daughter and he’s always there when I can’t be. I want to thank my twin sister, Stephanie Martinez, and my brother-in-law, Victor Martinez, who are both Navy logistics specialists, for their support and advice. We’ve always helped each other and help each other study for tests.”