SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Jossie Marquez Ruiz, from Ponce, Puerto Rico, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Afloat Training Group (ATG) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Marquez Ruiz graduated from Dr. Pila High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ponce.
“I'm from Puerto Rico, a small island that’s big on community,” Marquez Ruiz said. “I think it's just part of the culture. We want to do the best that we can with everything that we do.”
Marquez Ruiz joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Marquez Ruiz serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“My dad was in the Army,” Marquez Ruiz said. “I wanted to join the military, but I didn't want to join the Army. I wanted to do something with my life without going to college.”
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.
Marquez Ruiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is getting a perfect score on my evaluation,” Marquez Ruiz said. “I was the top out of 90 other sailors.”
Marquez Ruiz 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 means respect, pride, greatness and freedom,” Marquez Ruiz said.
Marquez Ruiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to say thank you to my parents and family for raising me well,” Marquez Ruiz said. “I would also like to thank my current command.”
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/