SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Maria Flores, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Region Southwest Transient Personnel Unit at Naval Base San Diego, California.
Flores graduated from Nansemond High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norfolk.
“It wasn’t so much what I learned from my hometown, but from my parents in particular, that has helped me be successful in the Navy,” Flores said. “I learned punctuality, organization, honor and respect from them. Both of my parents served in the Navy, so I feel that, unbeknownst to me at the time, I was always a sailor in training. A funny story comes from when I got to boot camp and realized sailors rolled their socks. I laughed because I’ve been rolling mine since I was a child, thanks to my salty parents.”
Flores joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Flores serves as a yeoman.
“I joined because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my parents’ service,” Flores said. “My father retired after 20 years as an electronics technician first class, and my mother completed her eight years of service as a medical lieutenant. I always admired their service, and it was inspirational. Serving your nation is one of the highest honors a citizen can have.”
Naval Base San Diego is the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, supporting more than 60 combatant and auxiliary surface ships and more than 200 shore commands. The total base population is roughly 55,000, including 31,000 military personnel and 23,000 civilians.
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.
Flores has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I don’t have a proudest accomplishment, but I have many,” Flores said. “Anytime one of my junior sailors reaches back to me for whatever reason (to share a promotion, ask for guidance, update me on their family life, or even just to catch up), that is an accomplishment to me. That is who I do it for, and that is who we all should be doing it for, the next generation.”
Flores serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I serve this country for the ideals that make our foundation,” Flores said. “Democracy, freedom, liberty, equality, justice, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness. Of course, we aren’t perfect, no country is, but I believe in what I was taught, and to me that’s worth serving and fighting for.”
Flores is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Debra and Victor, who support me in all that I do,” Flores added. “I also want to thank my daughter, Ava Marie, who motivates me daily, and my brother, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Niles Flores, who is currently serving in Japan.”
Story by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne, Navy Office of Community Outreach