VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrian Gonzalez, a native of Fresno, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, 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 |
Gonzalez graduated from Sunnyside High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fresno.
“I had a strong network of friends growing up,” Gonzalez said. "My friends taught me the importance of teamwork."
Gonzalez joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Gonzalez serves as a machinist's mate.
“I joined because I wanted to see the world,” Gonzalez said. "I always wanted more experiences, and I felt the Navy could give me that."
BMU-2 provides tactical components and expertise in support of amphibious operations. The unit enables a smooth beach landing and movement of personnel, equipment and supplies from landing craft, air cushions and mechanized and utility landing craft. Beachmasters are the final link in the chain projecting American Naval Power ashore. Since 1949, BMU-2 assets have been involved in major amphibious exercises and operations in Lebanon, Cuba, Grenada, Desert Storm, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
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.
Gonzalez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm the most proud of finishing my first deployment in 2023 with the USS Bataan,” Gonzalez said. "I think deployment made me stronger and more resilient."
Gonzalez 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 is something that gives me purpose and keeps me occupied,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my friends; they helped me a lot,” Gonzalez said. "They've always had my back."