VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Gerardo Jauregui, a native of Panorama City, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 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 |
Jauregui graduated from Granada Hills Charter High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Panorama City.
“My hometown taught me to never give up on myself,” Jauregui said. "I also learned how to stay flexible. Everyone experiences failure, but what matters is your ability to get up."
Jauregui joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Jauregui serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I didn't want to go to college immediately, but I still wanted to do something great and improve myself,” Jauregui said. "I wanted to be proud of what I do and also have others be proud of me."
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.
Jauregui has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was being given the opportunity to be part of the team to recover the Chinese balloon in 2023,” Jauregui said. "It was an incredible experience, and I was honored to know that I was helping with an important task."
Jauregui 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 to me is a privilege and an honor not many people have the opportunity to experience,” Jauregui said. "I cherish every day of being in the Navy."
Jauregui is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Without my mom and my siblings, I definitely wouldn't be here today; I know they miss me, but they know I love what I do and continue to maintain their support,” Jauregui said. "Also, I’d like to give a big shout-out to my best friends, Matt and Krystina, for making me feel like I have a home away from home."