Petty Officer 2nd Class Jairo Rodriguez a native of Missouri City, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Tripoli operating out of San Diego.

Rodriguez graduated from Thurgood Marshal High School in 2015.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Missouri City.

“I took the lessons of having a clear goal and chasing it from home, and have used it towards making petty officer third class and now petty officer second class,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Rodriguez serves as a fire controlman.

“I joined the Navy to make something of myself and my life better,” said Rodriguez. "I didn’t want to go the traditional route of college and the Navy provided an amazing alternative.”

Tripoli is an amphibious assault carrier that provides presence and power projection as an integral part of Joint, Interagency and Multinational Maritime Expeditionary Forces. Supports Marine Air/Ground Task Force requirements, from small-scale contingency operations to Expeditionary Strike Group operations to forcible entry missions in major theaters of war.

“The sailors who make up Team Tripoli really are the best the Navy has to offer,” said Capt. Gary Harrington, commanding officer of Tripoli. “We say it all the time, our Navy is nothing without the men and women who serve on the deckplates each and every day. I truly believe that the continued success of our Navy, and Tripoli specifically, is due in no small part to the contributions of our sailors.”

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 am most proud to be able to not only serve my county and my command but also be able to make lifelong connections and friends with sailors in my unit and across the ship,” said Rodriguez. "Being able to make the rank of petty officer second class in five years is also a big accomplishment.”

Rodriguez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“The U.S. Navy keeps the American dream alive,” said Rodriguez. “We serve the American people but also help care for those less fortunate across the globe by promoting peace through strength.”

Rodriguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my dad, Sergio, for always being there for me and pushing me to be the best man I could be,” added Rodriguez. "From a young age, he taught me how hard work pays off, and I work hard every day to make him proud."