Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Sanchez, a native of Terrell, Texas, serves aboard USS Cooperstown, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Sanchez graduated from Terrell High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Terrell.
“Terrell is a hard-working town,” said Sanchez. “Coming from there really put into perspective for me the importance of hard work. Working hard has paid off here in the Navy.”
Sanchez joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Sanchez serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Sanchez.
Cooperstown is a fast, optimally- manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forwardp resence, maritime security, sea control, and deter rence missions around the globe.
Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallowdepth hull. 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.
'We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,' said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. 'Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Sanchez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer third class because it has been a goal of mine since I joined,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” said Sanchez. “It has showed me that I can succeed at what I put my mind to.”
Sanchez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Moses and Dominga Sanchez, for being by my side throughout everything,” added Sanchez. “They are always there for me.”
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