U.S. Navy Logistics Specialist Seaman Ramsey Velasquez, from Tech City, Texas, was meritoriously advanced to Logistics Specialist 3rd Class during an all-hands call on the flight deck aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), March 1.
Velasquez was one of six Sailors selected through the meritorious advancement program (MAP) aboard the ship.
According to a naval message, the program allows commanding officers to directly identify and advance the most talented, experienced and proficient Sailors at their commands.
“When I heard my name called that I had been chosen [for] the MAP, I felt that I really achieved something,” said Velasquez.
Velasquez is assigned to supply department’s S-1 division and handles a variety of tasks, including ordering critical repair parts. Other responsibilities involve ordering the ship’s hazardous materials and working with costumers in the ship’s post office.
“LS3 Velasquez is one of the strongest E-4 and below in the department,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Mark Sunga, the leading chief petty officer for supply department.
Velasquez joined the U.S. Navy following high school in 2016, and was attracted to the service for its career opportunities and travel.
“After high school, I had three main choices: college, the work force, and the military,” said Velasquez. “I didn’t want to go to college because I didn’t want to put my mom in debt, and in Tech City we have a lot of power plants. That’s where most would go after graduation, but I didn’t want to get stuck in my hometown.”
After completing recruit basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, Velasquez went on to Logistics Specialist “A” school before ultimately reporting to the Mobile Bay in April, 2017.
“Knowing that we [Supply] are the first step to making the ship run feels great,” said Velasquez. “When a casualty report comes in, knowing that I helped get that part here quick and keep the ship running is awesome.”
Looking onward, Velasquez plans to continue looking for ways to stay ahead of his peers.
“Some of my next goals include becoming a work center supervisor, getting my enlisted air warfare specialist qualification and getting more out of rate qualifications,” said Velasquez. “I want to be able to stand out, even as a third class (petty officer).”
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.