MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Will CruzRivera, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, and assigned to the Wasp-class multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), traveled to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, March 19-21 to honor the fallen heroes of the Bataan Death March.
CruzRivera graduated from Durfee High School in 2023 and joined the Navy three years ago. Today, he serves as a retail specialist assigned to USS Bataan in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I joined the Navy to see the world as well as serve something greater than myself,” CruzRivera said. “To do something not everyone signs up to do, and that is to protect the same freedom that past service members have protected throughout history.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fall River.
“The lessons that my hometown taught me and that have stayed with me throughout my time in the Navy are to always stay true to yourself and to keep grinding every day,” CruzRivera said. “I worked three different jobs throughout my high school years, and when I was working, I kept true to myself and kept on grinding and putting in a good amount of hours.”
During the three-day namesake visit, the Sailors connected with the local community and paid their respects to the service members who endured one of World War II's most harrowing events. The visit provided a powerful opportunity for the community to engage with their U.S. Navy and witness firsthand the professionalism and commitment of its Sailors.
The cornerstone of the visit was the crew's participation in the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March 21. Sailors either ran or hiked the 15.6-mile honorary route across the challenging high desert terrain of the missile range. Other events included visits to local schools and meetings with descendants of Bataan survivors.
The USS Bataan memorializes the valiant resistance of American and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula who, after a brutal three-month battle defined by severe shortages and rampant disease, surrendered on April 9, 1942. The surrender led to the infamous Bataan Death March, where approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners were forced on a torturous 65-mile march to prison camps.
The Bataan’s primary mission is to land, train, and deploy a Marine Landing Force during sustained joint amphibious combat operations. The warship is crewed with Sailors and Marines to support a wide range of joint maritime operations, including humanitarian disaster relief and evacuation missions.
For more information about USS Bataan, visit the ship’s official U.S. Navy page at https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/LHD5/.
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.
CruzRivera has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was getting meritoriously advanced to E-4 within my rating because it is very difficult for someone in my rating (job) to earn that,” CruzRivera said. “I’m also proud of being selected as Bluejacket of the Quarter for Supply Department and going up to be Bluejacket of the Quarter for the ship.”
CruzRivera 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 that I get to be a part of the best naval force in the world and work alongside my shipmates because we all come from different backgrounds and ethnicities,” CruzRivera said. “Although we have differences and feelings between each other, we all come together as one to support the mission and complete it to the best of our ability.”
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/