Rodriguez graduated from Cypress Ridge High School in 2006.

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

“I had some leadership positions in high school band and learned project management during theater,” said Rodriguez. "These lessons helped me during my time in the Navy."

Rodriguez joined the Navy 18 years ago. Today, Rodriguez serves as a public affairs officer (PAO).

“I'm a third-generation sailor,” said Rodriguez. "I joined the Navy to continue my family tradition and because I wanted to travel the world and get money for college."

The crew recently completed an eight-month deployment, which was the first deployment for the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was extended 76 days following the outbreak of conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation and support Israel in its right to self-defense.

While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Turkey. Other ships in the strike group visited Belgium, Cyprus, Montenegro, Spain, and Sweden.

“The Gerald R. Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more. I am so proud of the crew, who breathed life into the world’s most technologically advanced warship and stood the watch in defense of our national interests,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our sailors performed admirably. Ford sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”

In 239 days underway, the ship’s crew conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 17,826 flight hours and 10,396 sorties, sailed more than 83,476 nautical miles, and safely transferred 20.7 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps. The Ford crew conducted 33,444 flight deck moves, 3,124 hangar bay aircraft moves, 2,883 aircraft elevator moves, 16,351 aircraft fueling evolutions, and transferred 8,850 pallets of cargo and mail. The Gerald R. Ford culinary team prepared and served 3.1 million meals, which included approximately 48,000 dozen eggs, 24,000 gallons of milk, 131,000 hamburgers, 367,000 pounds of chicken, and Gerald R. Ford’s favorite, 79,000 chocolate chip cookies.

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.

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

"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.

“Serving as the PAO aboard an aircraft carrier is something I'm proud of,” said Rodriguez. "This is the pinnacle of a PAO’s career because it's the last opportunity to serve at sea."

Rodriguez can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy offers the opportunity to do my part in keeping America the best country in the world,” said Rodriguez.

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

“I'd like to thank my mom, Yolanda, and Dad, Richard, for being my biggest supporters,” added Rodriguez. "They've been there for every step of my Navy journey. I'd also like to send a shoutout to my sisters, Christina and Theresa, along with my brother-in-law, Carlos. Of course, I also want to thank my grandma, Petra, for being my number one fan."