MILLINGTON, Tenn. – U.S. Navy sailors from across the fleet are headed to South Texas for Rio Grande Valley Navy Week, Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, to volunteer in the community and discuss why the Navy matters to the Valley.
While many of the sailors are from all over the country, this Navy Week will carry special meaning for visiting sailors from the area, including Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Castillo, a native of McAllen, Texas.
Castillo graduated from McAllen High School in 2020. Upon joining the Navy, Castillo quickly found that many of the skills and values forged in McAllen were the same as those needed to succeed in the Navy.
“Growing up in McAllen, it taught me the value of hard work, respect and taking pride in what I do,” Castillo said. “Those lessons stayed with me in the Navy and shape how I approach my responsibilities and support my shipmates.”
Castillo, who joined the Navy four years ago, is assigned to USS New York, an amphibious transport dock.
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself and to be part of something bigger than myself,” Castillo said. “I wanted structure, purpose and an opportunity to build a meaningful career while serving my country. Ultimately, my service means contributing to something that matters.”
Castillo is part of the first Navy Week to be hosted in the Rio Grande Valley. Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.
“Being a part of this Navy Week gives me the chance to share my experiences, connect with people who may not normally interact with sailors and show the positive impact the Navy has on individuals and families,” Castillo said.
Today, Castillo serves as a fire controlman.
“On a daily basis, I work on the ship’s computer and weapons systems that help track and defend against potential threats,” Castillo said. “I troubleshoot and maintain this equipment regularly and make sure everything functions and safely and correctly.”
Castillo has had many opportunities to excel in the Navy and sees military service as more than just a job – it represents a chance to become a better person.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is making second class,” Castillo said. “It reflects the hard work and discipline I’ve put into my career, and it motivates me to continue growing and expanding my technical expertise.”
Castillo is grateful for the McAllen community and for those who helped make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my incredible wife, Brianne, for being there for me and supporting me through every step,” added Castillo.
Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to communities like those in the Valley.
“We’re excited to bring Navy Week to the Rio Grande Valley for the very first time, and to kick off the 2026 Navy Week schedule in the Lone Star State,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “As the nation celebrates Freedom 250 throughout 2026, the Navy’s Outreach team will embark on a celebratory ‘Road Trip to 250,’ linking key locations in America to our maritime dominance. Navy Weeks will serve as a symbolic link connecting communities across America to their Navy, highlighting the shared history and the enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting our nation’s independence.”
Rio Grande Valley Navy Week events include multiple engagements at the Texas Citrus Fiesta Fun Fair and live performances throughout the week from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and the Navy’s New Orleans-style music group, the Deck Plate Brass Band.
Sailors will also be volunteering with the Boca Chica Beach Community Clean-Up, visiting schools across the Edinburg CISD, working on a service project at the American Legion Freddy Gonzalez Post 408, volunteering with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and more.
For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Rio-Grande-Valley-2026/.