Oakley native, Freedom High grad serving aboard USS Iowa Jima
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Oakley, California, native is serving aboard USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy Wasp class amphibious assault ship.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Martin is a 2019 Freedom High School graduate. Today Martin serves as a machinery repairman.
Machinery repairman use large machines such as lathes and mills to manufacture parts that the ship may need to make repairs. They fix pieces that may be damaged or worm out from routine use.
Martin joined the Navy one year ago for the opportunities serving provides.
“I joined the Navy to gain unique experiences and to provide for my family,” said Martin.
According to Martin, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Oakley.
“One thing that has really helped me succeed in the Navy that I learned back home is being around all kinds of people, growing up in Northern California, it’s very diverse and there’s a lot of people who think very differently than you,” said Martin. “The same goes for the Navy.”
Iwo Jima is the seventh Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the second ship in the U.S. Navy to bear that name. The ship was named for the Battle of Iwo Jima of World War II.
According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Martin’s favorite part of working in the Navy is having pride in work.
“The best thing about this command is the immense amount of pride we have in the work we do,” said Martin. “Everyone pitches in and supports the mission at hand.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Martin is most proud of success in schools.
“My most proud moment is earning top graduate in both of my schools, which led to earning a promotion,” said Martin.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Martin, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy has taught me so much about other people but even more about myself,” added Martin. “Our minds are so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for, there’s not much we can’t do if we just get up and do it.
From Wolverine to Marine to hero: Deer Valley High grad from Antioch stationed at Camp Pendleton swims 250 meters, saves drowning couple
“That was really gutsy of you.” – U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, Camp Pendleton Commanding General
“It’s what Marines are expected to do.” – Cpl. Jordan Perez
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A young Marine was recognized for actions taken on Feb. 15th, 2021, when he saved the lives of two civilian kayakers at the 21 Area Boat Basin.
Cpl. Jordan Perez, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was present when a married couple was calling for help from the water. The boat basin, surrounded by large, sharp boulders, produced unforgiving waves that day that flipped their kayak. Through these waves, Perez estimated that he had to swim 250 meters to reach the kayakers and bring them to shore – a feat that may have proven impossible for some. Luckily for the couple, Perez was physically and mentally prepared due to the consistent and rigorous training of the Marine Corps.
According to Antioch Unified School District Superintendent, Stephanie Anello, the 6’1″ Perez is a 2018 graduate of Deer Valley High School, where he played varsity baseball as catcher and football as a safety and wide receiver for the Wolverines. The Antioch native was also a member of the Chess Club. His parents are Baltazar and Celestina Pérez of Antioch.
Perez received a challenge coin from U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, on Feb. 19th, 2021. Perez credits his military training with giving him the confidence to jump into action. (See video)
At around 1 p.m. on Feb. 15th, 2021, Perez was working on a construction project at the 21 Area Del Mar Boat Basin at Camp Pendleton, when another Marine witnessed a couple in the water that had been flipped from their kayak by a strong wave. The kayakers were struggling in the water and began calling for help.
“That’s when I took action,” said Perez. “I took my boots off and just started swimming.”
Once Perez arrived at the scene, he immediately “…grabbed the woman’s hand and pulled her back on the kayak and began pushing the boat back to the rocks,” said Perez. He mentioned that the woman’s husband was able to swim, but halfway to the shore he began to panic. Upon noticing the husband’s struggle, Perez swam back to where the man was, placed a life vest on him, and continued pushing the woman to safety.
For his actions, Perez was paid a visit by Conley and received a challenge coin at the worksite where the event occurred.
While Perez was not the only Marine to recognize the severity of the situation, he was particularly ready for this moment. Perez is currently training with a retired reconnaissance Marine in order to prepare for assessment and selection with the Marine Raiders. Achieving this goal includes swimming for about two hours every day.
Perez’s hard work paid off when it mattered most. “That [training] takes away any hesitation that comes with putting your own life at risk. Since I had been training, I was confident that I could get myself out there and get those people back.”
Conley had a conversation with Perez, commending him for his life saving actions. “I’d like to believe a lot of people would do what you did, but I know they wouldn’t. So, to hear it actually happen is just amazing. That was really gutsy of you.” said Conley.
What was extraordinary to Conley was the standard that Perez holds himself to. “It’s what Marines are expected to do.” said Perez.
Although the actions that Perez took were heroic, Perez contends that all Marines, given the opportunity, would do the same. “It’s what Marines are expected to do.” said Perez.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Hercules native helps command USS Sterett guided-missile destroyer
By Allen Payton
U.S. Navy Commander Christopher Descovich, a native of Hercules, California, serves as executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). Sterett is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.
According to Defenceweb.com, on January 5, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group left Somalia after assisting the US military withdrawal from the Horn of Africa nation.
The 38-year-old Descovich graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation and was commissioned through the Merchant Marine Reserve Program.
At sea he completed his Division Officer tours aboard USS Milius (DDG 69) as 1st Lieutenant and Fire Control Officer, then USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) serving as Weapons Officer then Combat Systems Officer.
Ashore he served as Flag Aide to the President of the U.S. Naval War College, Branch Chief for Current Maritime Operations at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and post Department Head Detailer at Navy Personnel Command.
Commander Descovich holds a Master’s of Science degree in Systems Technology (JC4I) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. His thesis was entitled Decreasing Variance in Response Time to Singular Incidents of Piracy in the Horn of Africa Area of Operation, and co-authored with then-Lt. Ryan J. O’Connell.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other campaign and unit awards.
According to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, in 2015 then-Lt. Commander Descovich was an Aegis BMD Ship-based Weapons and Combat Systems Operator on the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and was the Navy winner of the Pacific Theater Air and Missile Defender of the Year. Presented by then-U.S. Pacific Combatant Commander, Admiral Harry Harris, (now U.S. Ambassador to South Korea) the award was given to just ten recipients from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines on their value in preserving the peace within the Pacific region.
MC2 Ethan Carter, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Media Outreach Department contributed to this report.
Sailor from Walnut Creek serves aboard the USS Ralph Johnson
By MC2 Ethan Carter, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Media Outreach Department
PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 07, 2020) – Lt. j.g. Valerie Sandoval, from Walnut Creek, Calif., assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), checks the ship’s current heading on the bridge. Ralph Johnson is underway in the Third Fleet area of operations.
San Ramon native returns from 7-month deployment aboard floating city at sea
Dougherty Valley High grad
By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va.- A 2013 Dougherty Valley High school graduate and San Ramon, California, native returned home June 16, marking the end of a seven-month deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman. Since departing its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia in November 2019, the aircraft carrier sailed in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Lt. j.g. Andrew Zhao is an electrical division officer aboard the carrier. As an electrical division officer, Zhao is responsible for ship-driving and supervising electricians.
“The best part about my job is seeing the professional and personal progress of the electricians as they learn their trade, gain leadership skills, and sailor-ize,” said Zhao.
Following a scheduled return from deployment in March, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, Truman remained underway in the Western Atlantic as a certified and ready carrier force ready for tasking. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, the Truman continued to conduct operations underway, minimizing the potential spread of the virus aboard the ships, in order to maintain maritime stability and security and ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
Truman sailed more than 56,000 nautical miles, deploying dynamically to support dual-carrier operations, air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and interoperability with joint services and with allies and partners. The ship also completed multiple strait and choke point transits, to include the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal and the Bab-el Mandeb Strait, while operating under three Combatant Commanders – U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“During deployment, my proudest accomplishment was being able to go every day on a multiple-extension deployment with a smile and be encouraging to fellow officers in the wardroom and be a light in the division as well,” said Zhao.
Truman demonstrated the Navy’s continuing regional commitment to EUCOM and CENTCOM areas of responsibility by hosting 80 embarked guests, including political and military leaders from eight ally and partner nations. These embarks directly supported U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet theater security objectives and greatly enhanced U.S. relationships and partnerships with multiple NATO ally and partner nations and Gulf Cooperation Council members.
“I’m so very proud of all our sailors!” said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Truman, “Their resilience, perseverance, and utter dedication to mission has been nothing short of exemplary. It has been my greatest honor to serve as Truman’s commanding officer this deployment!”
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard Truman. More than 6,000 men and women serve aboard the ship during deployment keeping all parts of the ship running smoothly. Each crewmember performs a number of tasks outside of their traditional job or rating.
“As an electrical division officer, I am in an administrative and supervisory role for the electricians onboard the Truman,” said Zhao.
Throughout the deployment, Truman performed numerous training exercises to develop tactical competencies. From carrier strike force operations as the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, to exercises with partner navies and forces, the ship developed key skillsets to maintain readiness and interoperability. While conducting stability operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, the strike group was called upon during an international crisis to assert American commitment to the region and act as a primary de-escalatory catalyst.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Zhao, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“I joined the Navy to serve the country since I came from an immigrant background and our family was thankful for the opportunities here,” added Zhao.
Memorial Day: remembering those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom and rights
Gov. Newsom deploys CA National Guard to help distribute food at food banks & protect California’s most vulnerable
Food banks are seeing a shortage in volunteers and experiencing greater need due to COVID-19. Governor calls for California food bank volunteers & launches partnership Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign with Nextdoor.com & California Volunteers to safely deploy volunteers to help the most vulnerable Californians
It’s in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community.” – Gov. Newsom
Californians can learn about ways to assist their community at serve.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the deployment of California National Guard members to provide short-term food security to isolated and vulnerable Californians. Building on Governor Newsom’s prioritization of protecting the most vulnerable from the COVID-19 pandemic, the short deployment will help to stabilize the immediate need of food banks.
“It’s in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. Food banks provide a critical lifeline for families, and are needed now more than ever. Families across our state are suddenly losing work, and millions of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 are staying home to protect their health and the health of others. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community.”
“The Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign is a testament to the strength of our larger California community,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Now more than ever we must create a culture of WE over me. I am so proud that Californians across the state stand ready to meet this moment by embracing our California values of inclusivity, generosity and community.”
Due to COVID-19, many food banks have been affected by a significant decline in volunteerism, impacting logistical and local infrastructure for food distribution. The California Guard will initially deploy personnel and logistical equipment to a food bank distribution warehouse in Sacramento County starting today, and will conduct immediate site assessments statewide for those counties that have requested short-term support and stabilization. This short-term assistance from the California National Guard allows time to mobilize AmeriCorps, California Conservation Corps and Local Conservation Corps members, and other volunteers where counties have identified serious gaps.
The Administration’s food deployment strategy also launches the Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign, which calls on neighbors to be first line of support for California’s most vulnerable residents who have been advised to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign is focused on older adults and promotes ways to safely check on your neighbors, family and friends, and will be run by California Volunteers, the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action.
The Administration is partnering with the social networking service Nextdoor to provide valuable information to California communities about the state’s response to COVID-19. The collaboration will allow the state to reach more than 22,000 neighborhoods using the platform. Neighbors use Nextdoor to exchange helpful information and California Volunteers will use this site to share ways residents can safely check on each other during the COVID-19 outbreak. The platform will also be used to share ways to safely ensure community members have the basic necessities they may need during periods of home isolation.
The State of California has also released information to promote resources and options for those facing food insecurity. A resource list will be posted to serve.ca.gov on ways Californians can support vulnerable members of our community that may have limited food resources, in ways that are in line with CDPH guidelines.
Californians can learn about ways to assist their community at serve.ca.gov.
CA Army National Guard ready for humanitarian efforts, not martial law
By Allen Payton
Concerns that the National Guard or other branches of the military are mobilizing in Contra Costa County in preparation for martial law are unfounded.
A video showing a convoy of mostly flatbed trucks driving on Port Chicago Highway at Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO – formerly known as the Concord Naval Weapons Station), was posted on Facebook on Tuesday.
According to the MilitaryBases.com website, “MOTCO is the primary West Coast common-user ammunition terminal, and it is home to the 834th Transportation Battalion (TB) of the Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) installation.” It “is the primary west coast common-user ammunition terminal, supplying Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps facilities in the area.”
But, according to an Army National Guard spokesman, he isn’t aware of anything happening in Concord.
“The Guard has been alerted and we have a contingent activated for humanitarian efforts, whatever is needed. Not for any martial law,” Lt. Colonel Jonathan Shiroma said. “It’s an unprecedented situation, here. So, we understand the concerns.”
The humanitarian efforts may include distributing food. He also confirmed that there have been no exercises by the National Guard this week in Concord. The Guard will be responding now, since the governor, who is their commander in chief, issued his stay at home order statewide, last night.
So, the convoy could have been any one of the four branches of the military served by MOTCO.
Concord native continues U.S. Navy “We Build, We Fight” Seabee tradition
By Petty Officer 1st Class David R. Finley Jr., Navy Office of Community Outreach
PORT HUENEME, CA – “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than seven decades. The Navy Seabees are an elite group of personnel trained in both combat and the craft skills of the construction industry. Petty Officer 2nd Class Divino Gonzales, a native of Concord, California, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.
Gonzales is serving as a Navy engineering aide, who is responsible for providing engineering support for construction projects.
“We serve in a civil engineering or surveyor type role in the civilian world,” Gonzales said.
Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination, according to officials with the U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command. These are the kinds of people being trained at Port Hueneme, to provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.
The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, said Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.
“I enjoy doing my job, especially drafting and using AutoCAD,” said Gonzales. “I get a chance to work with some high-tech software.”
Seabees have served in all American conflicts for nearly 80 years. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
According to Gonzales, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Concord.
“I learned self-discipline and how to be independent at a young age,” Gonzales said.
Port Hueneme is the West Coast homeport of the Navy’s Seabees. It’s one of five learning sites in the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering domain. They train and develop sailors, soldiers, airman, and Marines in construction trades and military skills for Department of Defense operating forces to accomplish contingency and peacetime construction, chemical, biological, and radiological operations, and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.
Port Hueneme and the men and women who serve there play a key role in the Navy’s broader mission of protecting American interests on the world’s oceans.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Gonzales is most proud of earning his first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“I performed maintenance on life-saving equipment,” said Gonzales. “I know that my work is making a difference in the fleet.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gonzales, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“I am happy to be a Seabee and contribute to the humanitarian mission of the Navy,” said Gonzales. ‘It is something that I will be proud of for the rest of my life.”