VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Valeria Robles-Mendez, a native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Robles-Mendez graduated from Saint Francis School in 2016 and the Universidad De Puerto Rico with a bachelor's degree in art history in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Carolina.
“Growing up in Puerto Rico, especially during Hurricane Maria in 2017, taught me a great deal about resilience and perseverance, and that has served me well in the Navy,” Robles-Mendez said.
Robles-Mendez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Robles-Mendez serves as a personnel specialist.
“I have always admired military service, and I was inspired by my grandfather and uncle, who both served in the Army,” Robles-Mendez said. "I also wanted the opportunity to leave the island, see the world, and challenge myself in new environments.”
ACU-4 provides combat-ready landing craft, air cushions (LCACs) to conduct operational missions worldwide. Combining high speed, exceptional maneuverability and long-range qualities with the ability to travel over land, these unique connectors provide added versatility to the amphibious force and can deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from ship to shore and back.
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.
Robles-Mendez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of becoming a mother this year,” Robles-Mendez said. “It has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and it drives me to set an example of strength, resilience, and dedication for my family.”
Robles-Mendez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Joining the Navy has been a major step forward in both my personal growth and career development,” Robles-Mendez said. “Serving in the Navy has given me the opportunity to grow more independent, both as a woman and a mother.”
Robles-Mendez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Ivelisse and Edwin, my sister, Ed, and especially my grandmother, Ramona, who is the most resilient woman I know, and she has been a constant source of inspiration in my life,” Robles-Mendez said. “My family has always been supportive in everything I've done, and I'm so grateful. Most of all, I want to thank my husband, Shamal, for being my rock and helping me through every day. He is an amazing dad to our daughter, and I couldn't imagine my life without him.”