by Stephanie Fox,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Seaman Ileanie Gonzalez, a native of Rochester, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Charleston operating out of San Diego, California.
Gonzalez joined the Navy one year ago and now serves as a culinary specialist. “I joined the Navy to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps,” she said. “He was in the Marines and the Army.”
Growing up in Rochester, Gonzalez attended Edison Career and Technology High School and graduated in 2019. Now she uses the same skills and values learned in Rochester to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught to stick up for myself and what I believe in,” said Gonzalez. “As a woman in the Navy, I get to help set a new standard that will hopefully encourage future women to join as well.”
California has 32 military bases within its borders, more than any other state. According to Navy officials, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps bases are clustered most heavily around San Diego.
Serving in the Navy means Gonzalez is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. “My proudest naval accomplishment is graduating from boot camp,” said Gonzalez. “I had to work extremely hard to get through it, but I’m so proud of myself for sticking with it.”
As Gonzalez and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” added Gonzalez. “Not only because my grandfather, who just passed away, was in the service, but also because the Navy has shown me how mentally and physically strong I am. I’ve gone through a lot since joining, and I’m still here, so I’ve definitely had the chance to put myself to the test and watched myself succeed.”
