By Dusty Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, Va. – This year, as Americans reflect on the 75th Anniversary of World War II, some Navy sailors have a special bond with the occasion. Houston native and Northbrook High School graduate, Ensign Marisol Aguilar, serves aboard a ship named after a historic figure from that war, USS Forrest Sherman.

Aguilar works as a surface warfare officer.

“I like the diversity of doing my job,” said Aguilar.

USS Forrest Sherman was commissioned in 2006 and named after Admiral Forrest Sherman. Sherman was the commanding officer of the carrier USS Wasp during World War II.

Sherman was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism after a Japanese submarine sunk Wasp. He finished his career as the youngest man to ever become the Chief of Naval Operations.

“I like the flexibility and strength of our crew,” said Aguilar.

Beginning with the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, the United States joined the Allied Forces to end the global conflict. The U.S. Navy was ordered to protect and defend the country and its allies during a two-front war in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

57 sailors earned the Metal of Honor, the military’s highest personal award, for service during World War II. The Navy now has 51 ships named in honor of significant people and events of the conflict.

"It's a great privilege to command a ship whose namesake is the epitome of a naval officer,” said Cmdr. Jamie A. Murdock, commanding officer, USS Forrest Sherman. ”During the Second World War, especially in command of Wasp, Admiral Sherman demonstrated extraordinary heroism, leadership and courage. Every day, our Sailors work to live up to the example he set for us."

According to Navy officials, destroyers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any tasking at sea.

Serving in the U.S. Navy has allowed Aguilar to continue learning about the legacy of those who served during World War II and the pass on the tradition to the future of the Navy.

For more information about Admiral Forrest Sherman: https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-s/sherman-forrest-p.html

For more information about USS Forrest Sherman: http://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/ddg98/Pages/default.aspx

For more information about World War II 75th Anniversary Commemoration: https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/world-war-ii.html