Texas Border Business
By Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Airman Jorge Martinez, a native of Harlingen, Texas, serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Martinez graduated from San Benito High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Harlingen.
“Growing up, I learned about self-reliance,” said Martinez. “I get a lot of work done, and if get it all done, I’ll go and help others and contribute to our sense of teamwork.”
Martinez joined the Navy a year ago. Today, Martinez serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined because I didn’t have many other choices,” said Martinez. “Out here, I’ve traveled way more than I ever could have.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Martinez serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Martinez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My leadership knows that I’m a hard worker who does what he needs to do,” said Martinez.
Martinez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service means we do the things out here to protect those we care about back home,” said Martinez.
Martinez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My Navy Junior ROTC chief was a master-at-arms out here on the Reagan,” added Martinez. “He helped prepare me by helping me understand how the military and Navy actually is.”
