SAN DIEGO - Chief Petty Officer Maria Garcia-Silva, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Afloat Training Group (ATG) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harrison, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Garcia-Silva graduated from Southeast Technical Academy in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Las Vegas.
“I learned the value of community and resilience growing up,” Garcia-Silva said. “Those lessons have helped me to get along with everyone.”
Garcia-Silva joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Garcia-Silva serves as a damage controlman.
“The world is full of opportunities,” Garcia-Silva said. “I was mainly interested in travel. It was something I always wanted to do, and I've gotten to go to a lot of cool places.”
ATG San Diego plays a crucial role in maintaining a highly trained and prepared naval force, contributing to the US Navy's ability to respond to various threats and carry out diverse missions. ATGSD's role extends to evaluating and certifying all Pacific Fleet ships to ensure they meet the evolving standards required for naval and joint combat operations.
Garcia-Silva has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I made chief in six years,” Garcia-Silva said. “I didn’t think it would happen, but my former command master chief aboard the USS Preble showed me that it was possible.”
Garcia-Silva 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 strong sense of representation,” Garcia-Silva said. “It means a lot to me that I can show those in my hometown community that you can do this and get an education along the way.”
Garcia-Silva is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for supporting me even though joining the military was something that was foreign to them,” Garcia-Silva said. “I was the first one to join in my family. I am the oldest of three and inspired my little brother to join as well.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/