SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Perez, a native of Bronx, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Perez graduated from Bronx High School for Law and Community Service in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
“Growing up in the Bronx, I worked a lot of odd jobs such as a server at a restaurant and a delivery driver,” Perez said. “It taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic.”
Perez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Perez serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy to support my family as a husband and a father,” Perez said. “I felt a sense of duty to my country and my community.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Carl Vinson returned in August 2025 from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, during which it conducted freedom of navigation operations, multinational exercises with U.S. allies and partners, and combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Back in its homeport of San Diego, Carl Vinson remains a combat-ready force dedicated to protecting and defending the United States.
Among the largest warships in the world, USS Carl Vinson is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
“The might of this ship doesn’t just come from its advanced technology, but from the skillful, resilient and courageous men and women who serve aboard,” said Capt. Joshua Wenker, commanding officer of Carl Vinson. “Our sailors have always been, and will always be, our greatest asset. Their hard work, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence ensure that we execute the mission aboard America’s Favorite Carrier with pride and precision every single day.”
Perez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm most proud of becoming a fully qualified Aircraft Director,” Perez said. “It took an extensive amount of training to accomplish this task, which made earning this qualification that much more meaningful.”
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.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am a part of something bigger than myself,” Perez said. “I'm able to represent not only my family, but my family name since it's displayed on all of my uniforms.”
Perez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife who has been there with me since the beginning,” Perez said. “She has supported me through this challenging journey and has been my biggest supporter in joining the Navy.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Perez graduated from Bronx High School for Law and Community Service in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
“Growing up in the Bronx, I worked a lot of odd jobs such as a server at a restaurant and a delivery driver,” Perez said. “It taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic.”
Perez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Perez serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy to support my family as a husband and a father,” Perez said. “I felt a sense of duty to my country and my community.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Carl Vinson returned in August 2025 from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, during which it conducted freedom of navigation operations, multinational exercises with U.S. allies and partners, and combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Back in its homeport of San Diego, Carl Vinson remains a combat-ready force dedicated to protecting and defending the United States.
Among the largest warships in the world, USS Carl Vinson is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
“The might of this ship doesn’t just come from its advanced technology, but from the skillful, resilient and courageous men and women who serve aboard,” said Capt. Joshua Wenker, commanding officer of Carl Vinson. “Our sailors have always been, and will always be, our greatest asset. Their hard work, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence ensure that we execute the mission aboard America’s Favorite Carrier with pride and precision every single day.”
Perez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm most proud of becoming a fully qualified Aircraft Director,” Perez said. “It took an extensive amount of training to accomplish this task, which made earning this qualification that much more meaningful.”
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.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am a part of something bigger than myself,” Perez said. “I'm able to represent not only my family, but my family name since it's displayed on all of my uniforms.”
Perez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife who has been there with me since the beginning,” Perez said. “She has supported me through this challenging journey and has been my biggest supporter in joining the Navy.”
Perez is looking forward to the future.
“I plan to stay in the Navy and retire,” Perez said. “It depends on how fast I can make the rank of chief, but I would eventually like to become an officer and further my career.”
“I plan to stay in the Navy and retire,” Perez said. “It depends on how fast I can make the rank of chief, but I would eventually like to become an officer and further my career.”