Texas Border Business
By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SEATTLE – Seaman Calib Rodriguez, a native of McAllen, Texas, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.
Rodriguez graduated from South Texas Independent School District (STISD) World Scholars in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in McAllen.
“Growing up, I learned that nobody will care for you like your family does, but that doesn’t mean that family will never hurt you,” said Rodriguez. “It teaches you to keep more on your guard. That helps you remember to pay better attention to what people say.”
Rodriguez joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Rodriguez serves as a cryptologic technician (collection).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to strike out on my own and possibly make a career out of it and still have time in life to explore other options,” said Rodriguez. “My father served in the Navy and he had a guidebook of sorts. He was able to help me with the process and he helped me pick my rate. I didn’t know what job to pick and looked between quartermaster and gunner’s mate, but my dad pointed me to cryptologic technician.”
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Barry. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
“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.”
Rodriguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of meeting my fitness goals,” said Rodriguez. “I am in the best shape of my life and others around me are big inspirations for me to keep improving.”
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 brings a discipline and rigidity to life that I find comforting,” said Rodriguez. “It’s also a chaotic workplace that requires flexibility to navigate.”
Rodriguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my friends back in Texas and Georgia,” added Rodriguez. “Their constant support and admiration and love has been a focal point in my career. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
