10:08 | Millington (U.S.), Jul. 2.
Airman Leonardo Pelaez, a sailor from Cartavio in Peru's northern La Libertad region, serves aboard the U.S. Navy warship,
USS Boxer, operating out of San Diego, California.
Pelaez, a 2017 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, joined the
United States Navy one year ago.
"My father was in the military in my country, and I wanted to do the same thing, but my father didn't want me to at that time since I was in school and playing soccer," Pelaez said.
"When I got to the United States, I wanted to join but didn't because of the language barrier; I spoke no English at the time. A year ago, I met a recruiter, and he asked if I wanted to join the Navy. I went to his office and a month later, I went to boot camp," he added.
Skills and values similar to those found in Peru are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
"I learned to take pride in my work," Pelaez said. "It may seem trite but it starts with pride in yourself and appearance, and it carries through in your work."
Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the sixth U.S. ship to bear the name of the original HMS Boxer, which was captured by the British during the War of 1812.
Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Boxer's crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless —to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said
Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of U.S. Naval Operations.
"This is our calling, and I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
As a member of the Navy, Pelaez is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities, and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy.
"The Navy is important to national defense because we are an ever-present entity around the world," Pelaez remarked.
Pelaez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment so far in the Navy is graduating from boot camp," he said. "It doesn't seem like a big deal to some people but it's very hard to uproot yourself, your family, and everything you know to try for something better in life."
As Pelaez and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"The Navy is a new life for me," Pelaez stated. "It's both rewarding and exciting. Knowing I have a part in shaping the future climate that my children will grow up in, makes every day worth it."
"I feel like a part of this country because I have my own family, and my kids were born here. I'm so proud to be in the Navy and I do it because of my family. It's not hard for me to serve as an immigrant because my family is here with me, and I have made many friends on board the Boxer. I also work with another sailor here who is from Peru, as well," he added.
Pelaez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"Everything I've done in the Navy is because of my father," Pelaez said. "We watched military movies together and 'Men of Honor,' about Carl Brashear, was my favorite. My dad was so happy I joined, and encouraged me to make my family proud."
Pelaez, 31, and his wife have one child with another on the way and will be visiting family in Peru in the near future.
"My wife is from Peru and went to school with my brother," Pelaez added. "We had met when we were younger, but she moved to the United States when she was 18. In 2015, she was visiting Peru for the first time since she immigrated and we were reintroduced, so I immigrated here as well."
Soccer is one of Pelaez's passions, which he played in his home country and participated as a goalie for the Boxer soccer team.
Editor's note: Information provided by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(END) NDP/RMB
Published: 7/2/2023