PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Fireman Zavier Quiles, a native of Patterson, New Jersey, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Quiles graduated from Passaic County Technical Vocational School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Patterson.
“I learned from my criminal justice teacher to approach challenges one task at a time,” said Quiles. “In the Navy, this "day-by-day" mindset makes even the most overwhelming workloads manageable and productive. My criminal justice teacher taught me to task things one by one. In the Navy that mindset applies every day. The workload can be a lot, so just taking it day-by-day you can accomplish so much more than you think.”
Quiles joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Quiles serves as a damage controlman.
“I joined the Navy under the mentorship of a family member who inspired me to serve,” said Quiles. “I joined with guidance from my cousin, Chief Petty Officer Lighten. He really gave me a lot of courage to join, and it fell in line with something that I already wanted to do.”
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Quiles has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I credit the Navy with giving me the structure and responsibility needed to successfully transition into adulthood,” said Quiles. “Graduating and taking on real responsibility has been my proudest accomplishment. Becoming an adult is truly amazing, and I attribute a lot of that growth to what the Navy provides me.”
As Quiles and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to the principles of the Constitution and a daily choice to stand up for the values I believe in,” said Quiles. “Serving means a lot; standing up for things I believe in is a great feeling, and upholding the Constitution is something I truly want to do. The country is not stain-free, but it is truly the best.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Quiles is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I attribute my drive for self-improvement to the constant encouragement of my cousin and my parents, Roberto and Tabbetha Quiles,” added Quiles. “My cousin helped a lot, and my parents have been super supportive. They stand by me and are constantly pushing me to better myself. I wouldn't be where I am today without that foundation.”
“I hope I can make this a twenty-year career and see a lot of places, experience different cultures and meet new people.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Quiles graduated from Passaic County Technical Vocational School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Patterson.
“I learned from my criminal justice teacher to approach challenges one task at a time,” said Quiles. “In the Navy, this "day-by-day" mindset makes even the most overwhelming workloads manageable and productive. My criminal justice teacher taught me to task things one by one. In the Navy that mindset applies every day. The workload can be a lot, so just taking it day-by-day you can accomplish so much more than you think.”
Quiles joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Quiles serves as a damage controlman.
“I joined the Navy under the mentorship of a family member who inspired me to serve,” said Quiles. “I joined with guidance from my cousin, Chief Petty Officer Lighten. He really gave me a lot of courage to join, and it fell in line with something that I already wanted to do.”
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Quiles has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I credit the Navy with giving me the structure and responsibility needed to successfully transition into adulthood,” said Quiles. “Graduating and taking on real responsibility has been my proudest accomplishment. Becoming an adult is truly amazing, and I attribute a lot of that growth to what the Navy provides me.”
As Quiles and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to the principles of the Constitution and a daily choice to stand up for the values I believe in,” said Quiles. “Serving means a lot; standing up for things I believe in is a great feeling, and upholding the Constitution is something I truly want to do. The country is not stain-free, but it is truly the best.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Quiles is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I attribute my drive for self-improvement to the constant encouragement of my cousin and my parents, Roberto and Tabbetha Quiles,” added Quiles. “My cousin helped a lot, and my parents have been super supportive. They stand by me and are constantly pushing me to better myself. I wouldn't be where I am today without that foundation.”
“I hope I can make this a twenty-year career and see a lot of places, experience different cultures and meet new people.”