SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Morales, a native of Twin Falls, Idaho, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
Morales graduated from Canyon Ridge High School in 2015. Additionally, Morales is studying toward an associate degree in applied science through High Desert Medical College.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Twin Falls.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of helping others,” Morales said. “I grew up in a small town of maybe 40,000 people. In small towns, everyone knows everyone and everyone looks out for everyone. The Navy is the same way.”
Morales joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Morales serves as a mineman and is an instructor at the Mine Warfare Training Center.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and develop life skills,” Morales said. “My uncle served as well and told me the most about it. I knew if I joined the Navy, it would give me the opportunity to see more of the world.”
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Morales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of running a co-exercise with Japan and other assets in mine warfare by myself,” Morales said. “I was the only mineman running it on my end. I was in charge of the air unit.”
Morales 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 gives me a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood,” Morales said. “It’s good to know that people of all walks of life can come together and feel like family.”
Morales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my uncle, Jaime Machuca, who previously served,” Morales added. “He was the one who told me the most about the Navy and that if I didn’t do it, my life would pass me by. He was my reality check.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Morales graduated from Canyon Ridge High School in 2015. Additionally, Morales is studying toward an associate degree in applied science through High Desert Medical College.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Twin Falls.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of helping others,” Morales said. “I grew up in a small town of maybe 40,000 people. In small towns, everyone knows everyone and everyone looks out for everyone. The Navy is the same way.”
Morales joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Morales serves as a mineman and is an instructor at the Mine Warfare Training Center.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and develop life skills,” Morales said. “My uncle served as well and told me the most about it. I knew if I joined the Navy, it would give me the opportunity to see more of the world.”
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Morales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of running a co-exercise with Japan and other assets in mine warfare by myself,” Morales said. “I was the only mineman running it on my end. I was in charge of the air unit.”
Morales 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 gives me a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood,” Morales said. “It’s good to know that people of all walks of life can come together and feel like family.”
Morales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my uncle, Jaime Machuca, who previously served,” Morales added. “He was the one who told me the most about the Navy and that if I didn’t do it, my life would pass me by. He was my reality check.”