Texas Border Business
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Marielena Aguila a native of McAllen, Texas, serves aboard USS John L. Canley.
Aguila graduated from Rowe High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in McAllen.
“Growing up in a mostly Spanish-speaking community and being bilingual has helped me during my time here in the Navy,” said Aguila.
Aguila joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Aguila serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country and give back,” said Aguila. “My family immigrated from Mexico so I am a first-generation citizen.”
John L. Canley was named after Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, a United States Marine and a recipient of the United States military’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in 1968 during the Battle of Hué City.
John L. Canley is an expeditionary sea base ship that is highly flexible and may be used across a broad range of military operations. Acting as a mobile sea base, these ships are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to provide prepositioned equipment and sustainment with flexible distribution.
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.”
Aguila has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that during my six years serving in the Navy, I have met the very best friends anyone could ask for,” said Aguila “In the Navy, you will meet friends and make a family away from home.”
Aguila 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 means being able to go above and beyond,” said Aguila. “In the Navy, anyone can make something of themselves. That is especially important to me as a woman.”
Aguila is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family back home as well as my history teacher for always being there for me,” added Aguila. “Some days it gets hard being away from home but having such an amazing family makes it all worth it.”
