SAN DIEGO – Airman Apprentice Adrian Malave, a native of Orlando, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Malave graduated from Windermere High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orlando.
“A lesson I learned from my hometown is that you need thick skin,” Malave said. “It has helped me get through boot camp and my time in the fleet, especially on difficult days when people are tough on you.”
Malave joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Malave serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (handling).
“What inspired me to join was my brother,” Malave said. “My brother joined the Navy a few years ago and, unfortunately, ended up getting injured and was discharged, so being able to fill in his place is what inspired me.”
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.”
Malave has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“What I'm most proud of in the Navy is being second in my ‘A’ School class at Defense Information School,” Malave said. “I studied hard for it, especially when I was in competition with another student to make first as the studying hard got me to where I am today.”
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 showing up and protecting the freedom most people take for granted,” Malave said.
Malave is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad,” Malave said. “He worked two jobs when I was younger, just so my family and I could have everything we needed.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Malave graduated from Windermere High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orlando.
“A lesson I learned from my hometown is that you need thick skin,” Malave said. “It has helped me get through boot camp and my time in the fleet, especially on difficult days when people are tough on you.”
Malave joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Malave serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (handling).
“What inspired me to join was my brother,” Malave said. “My brother joined the Navy a few years ago and, unfortunately, ended up getting injured and was discharged, so being able to fill in his place is what inspired me.”
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.”
Malave has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“What I'm most proud of in the Navy is being second in my ‘A’ School class at Defense Information School,” Malave said. “I studied hard for it, especially when I was in competition with another student to make first as the studying hard got me to where I am today.”
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 showing up and protecting the freedom most people take for granted,” Malave said.
Malave is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad,” Malave said. “He worked two jobs when I was younger, just so my family and I could have everything we needed.”