​Miami Gardens Native Serves Aboard Navy Warship In Norfolk

Rodriguez graduated from Mater Academy in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami Gardens.

“I learned from my parents to never stop pursuing my dreams and to give 100% effort all of the time,” Rodriguez said. “Giving 100% effort is important because that is the only way you grow and not get stuck.”

Rodriguez joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Rodriguez serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (fuel).

“I joined the Navy to travel and to do an exciting job,” Rodriguez said.

Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Wasp, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.

Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Wasp with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Rodriguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of making the rank and leading Sailors,” Rodriguez said. “One of my goals when I started was to become a petty officer second class and I did that in three and a half years. Advancing that fast is unusual for my community, so I am proud of the fact that I now have the opportunity to help lead junior Sailors to reach their goals.”

Rodriguez 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 that I am part of something bigger than myself and that truly makes a difference to me,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“First, I want to thank God for the life I live,” Rodriguez added. “I also want to thank my wife, Autumn Rodriguez, for always having my back and for believing in me. I want to thank my parents, Raul Rodriguez and Anaily Ulloa, as well, for giving me the values and morals I use every day in the Navy. I am grateful for my little brother, Ryan Rodriguez, for motivating me. Even though he is a lot younger than me, I know he is going places. Lastly, I want to thank the friends I work with here for helping me grow and for being there for me whenever I need them.”