Page 23 - Diane Musgrove Issue

UNDER THE C OL ORS

Petty Officer 2nd Class
ALEXIA VALDEZ

KINGS BAY, Ga. – Submariners make up only
10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but
they play a critical role in carrying out one
of the Defense Department’s most important
missions: strategic deterrence. Petty Officer 2nd
Class Alexia Valdez, a native of San Diego,
California, is one of the sailors supporting a
123-year tradition of service under the sea to
help ensure Americans’ safety.
Valdez joined the Navy four years ago and
today serves as a torpedoman's mate with
Trident Refit Facility, Kings Bay.
“I joined the Navy to inspire my younger siblings
and cousins,” said Valdez. "I was the first person
in my family to join the military."

Seaman Recruit AUSTIN WATTS
GREAT LAKES – Seaman Recruit Austin Watts, a native
of San Diego, California, graduated as the top sailor
from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military
Excellence Award (MEA) on June 9.
Watts said he joined the Navy for professional and personal
development.
“I needed a change in my life, which felt repetitive,” said
Watts. “I realized my internship and degree weren’t what I
wanted to do for the rest of my life. Joining the military was
always in the back of my mind. I wanted to give back to my
country that has done so much for me along with bettering
myself as an individual. I wanted to better my future for
myself and my future family.”

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