SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb Barkle, a native of Murrieta, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Rollo, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Barkle graduated from Murrieta Mesa High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Murrieta.
“I learned that the grass is never greener on the other side,” Barkle said. “You just need to water the grass on your own side. During my first five years in the Navy I was assigned to a lot of different places and I came to the realization that you’re going to dislike some things no matter where you are and you have to make the best of it. When you leave and look back, you realize that those were actually the best times.”
Barkle joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Barkle serves as a gas turbine system technician (mechanical).
“I joined the Navy seeking a better life, and I want to make my parents proud,” Barkle said.
Makin Island plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults.
This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe. Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Makin Island’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
Barkle has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of reaching the rank of petty officer first class in six years,” Barkle said. “It represents that I’ve been on the right track and that my hard work paid off.”
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 gives me a chance to challenge myself,” Barkle said. “Whenever one challenge becomes easy, I move onto the next one.”
Barkle is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) Bochanski and Master Chief Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) Rosa,” Barkle said. “They challenged me in ways that I never sought to challenge myself and taught me everything I know. They guided me to being the best me I could be.”