LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 1st Class Israel Vasquez, this story has ties to Woodland, California, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
“Growing up in a small town like Woodland, I came from a tight-knit community where everyone looked out for each other,” Vasquez said. “Out here in the fleet the same principles apply. We as a unit, a command and a Navy look out for our fellow sailors.”
Vasquez graduated from Woodland High School in 2010.
Vasquez joined the Navy 13 years ago.
“After graduating from high school I was looking for direction,” Vasquez said. “The Navy gave me the opportunity to start a healthy career, travel the world and earn a free college education. I was very excited to see the world and serve my country from the middle of the ocean.”
Today, Vasquez serves as a yeoman assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.
Carrier strike groups, and the embarked aviation squadrons, are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch Sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal, and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our Allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises, and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and 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.
Vasquez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud that my hard work and dedication has paid off and I was able to climb to the rank of petty officer 1st class.,” Vasquez said. “As a leading petty officer I am in a leadership position and able to train and teach junior sailors to help them develop in their careers.”
Vasquez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
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/
“Serving in the Navy is a sacrifice,” Vasquez said. “We live in a country that allows us immense freedoms and opportunities so it was important to give back in any way I could as well as doing my part to protect my family back home and keep them safe at night.”
Vasquez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Tina, father, Greg, and stepfather, Gary, for always being by my side and supporting all my dreams,” Vasquez said. “I would also like to thank my wife, Karen, for being my rock and making this whole journey worth doing.”