Page 24 - San Diego Woman Anna Adams

UNDER THE C OL ORS

Santee Native Serves Aboard Navy Aircraft

Carrier in San Diego

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO - Seaman Reese Naoobe Cristobal, a native of Santee, California, serves aboard USS
Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.

and I wanted to relate and understand what officials continue to emphasize that the pros-
they went through.” perity of the United States is directly linked to
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of recruiting and retaining talented people from
America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 across the rich fabric of America.
years, they have projected power, sustained Cristobal has many opportunities to
sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided achieve accomplishments during military
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, service.
and maintained enduring commitments “I am most proud of being reliable and
worldwide. trustworthy to my chain of command despite
According to Navy officials, aircraft my rank,” Cristobal said. “I’m also proud of
carriers are versatile and have unique mission sharing my knowledge with others.”
Cristobal graduated from West Hills capabilities that make them a more strategic Cristobal serves a Navy that operates far
High School in 2023. asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They forward, around the world and around the
The skills and values needed to succeed are often the first response in a global crisis clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and
in the Navy are similar to those found in because of their ability to operate freely in security.
Santee. international waters anywhere on the world’s “The Navy is important to me because
“Growing up, I was taught that commu- oceans. In addition, no other weapon system being part of it allows me to have pride and
nication is key to forming relationships with can deploy and operate forward with a full- honor in what I do and learn every day how
the people around you,” Cristobal said. “Mis- sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility to be independent and how to be better,”
communication can create tension in your and combat capability of its air wing. Cristobal said.
workplace, but If you have good communica- The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th Cristobal is grateful to others for helping
tion, there is a smooth flow where everyone birthday this year. make a Navy career possible.
respects and understands each other.” According to Navy officials, “America is “I want to thank my dad, Aviation Boat-
Cristobal joined the Navy one year ago. a maritime nation and for 250 years, Ameri- swain’s Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Philip Cristobal
Today, Cristobal serves as an operations ca’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in for guiding me in my career and for giving me
specialist. defense of freedom.” advice,” Cristobal added. "I also want to thank
“I joined because my father and sister With 90% of global commerce traveling my mom, Girlie, and my sister, Sophia, for
have both served in the Navy,” Cristobal said. by sea and access to the internet relying on the their moral support."
"I appreciated what they've done for the family security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
Photo by Seaman Tyler Miles
USS Boxer (LHD 4)

28Lt. j.g. Rebecca Bayer, a native of Coronado, California, assigned
to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4),
is pinned to the rank of Lieutenant by family members during a
promotion ceremony on the flight deck aboard Boxer Jan. 17, 2025.
Boxer is homeported in San Diego.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist
Seaman Tyler Miles)

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