Texas Border Business
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition September 2018
Norfolk, Va. – A San Juan, Texas, native and 2012 Pharr San Juan Alamo North graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Kearsarge. Petty Officer 2nd Class Oscar Saldivar is an electrician’s mate aboard the amphibious transport dock operating out of Norfolk.
Kearsarge, one of the Navy’s most advanced amphibious ships, is designed to deliver Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts.
A Navy electricians mate is responsible for the overall electrical distribution throughout the ship.
“Do the job once and be able to put your name on it,” Saldivar said. “My dad is an auto electrician. He always tells me to do the job, so it’s done just once.”
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard USS Kearsarge. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship’s crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked. USS Kearsarge is capable of transporting Marines and landing them where they are needed via helicopters, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and landing craft.
“The success of our Surface Force ships is measured by our ability to provide Fleet Commanders with combat naval power at sea and to project that power ashore where and when it matters,” said Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, commander, Naval Surface Forces. “It’s hard work to ready ships for combat operations at sea – it takes the talent of an entire crew working well together. I’m extremely proud of the each and every surface warrior’s contributions to the Navy’s enduring mission of protecting and defending America, at home and around the world.”
These amphibious transport dock ships support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions and can serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious ready groups. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Saldivar has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My uncle is also in the military,” Saldivar said. “He’s a helicopter pilot.”
Saldivar’s proudest accomplishment is receiving the Navy and Marine Corps. Achievement Medal.
“I earned this by fixing a damaged control station in an engineering space.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Saldivar and other USS Kearsarge sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
“It gives me my military bearing,” Saldivar said. “I’ve made friends for life.”
