SAN DIEGO - Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Gurrola, a native of Los Angeles, California, 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 |
Gurrola graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1995.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Los Angeles.
“One of the things I learned growing up was that hard work was important,” Gurrola said. “I knew I wasn't always going to be the smartest person in the room, but I knew hard work could make up for that. I also learned to treat people with respect and dignity and to treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Gurrola joined the Navy 30 years ago. Today, Gurrola serves as an engineman.
“I was out of high school for a little bit working as a lifeguard,” Gurrola said. “I went down to the Marine recruiter, and he was out of the office. The Navy recruiter wasn’t. I was 17 at the time.”
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. ATG San Diego'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.
Gurrola has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Serving as the senior-most engineman in the Navy is something I’m proud of, “Gurrola said. “But what I’m more proud of is how many people I've been able to help. For example, I had a sailor who was a third class petty officer. We had already gone our separate ways, serving aboard different duty stations, when I found out his wife had cancer. He was in the process of transferring to another duty station at the time and called me for help. It had been a while since I talked to him, but I decided to help. He was supposed to be in Norfolk in a week, but his wife was in San Diego. By the end of the next day, he had his orders to send him to my command. He had already been away from his family for training in Norfolk, for months away from his wife and two kids. He's a chief petty officer now, and his wife is doing well with another newborn, and our daughters are on a softball team together."
Gurrola 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 about being a part of something bigger than myself,” Gurrola said. “It's a privilege to be able to serve and set an example for my children who have also joined the service. I plan to retire in two years, and I’m looking forward to being a dad and enjoying my retirement here in San Diego."
Gurrola is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my sisters, my mom and my dad,” Gurrola said. “They've been so supportive of me through my whole career. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife and five children. There is no way I would have made it this far without them."
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/