SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Jose Morales, a native of Vista, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Morales graduated from San Marcos High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Vista.
“One of the lessons I carry with me is the importance of listening,” Morales said. “When people are talking to you and giving you advice, take it all in and listen to it. There are a lot of senior people who want to help you out, and all you have to do is listen.”
Morales joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Morales serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because it’s a good, steady job,” Morales said. “You always have work. The Navy offers a lot of opportunities, and it helps you learn discipline and responsibility.”
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, 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.”
Morales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m still fresh, but the biggest accomplishment is finishing both ‘A’ school and ‘C’ school,” Morales said. “It’s tough and a lot to take in in a short period of time, but you have to work through it and be successful.”
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 to me means helping others out and helping yourself out as well,” Morales said. “You’re setting yourself up for your future. It means being proud of where you’re from and where you grew up.”
Morales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to shout out Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Monroy,” Morales said. “Anytime I’ve had a question about anything in my job or the Navy, he’s always helped me out. I can always text him or call him, and he’s there for me. I also want to thank my parents and my sister for always being there for me. They always ask how things are going and encourage me to do well to set myself up for a good future.”