NORFOLK, Va. – Lt. Israel Varela, a native of San Tan Valley, serves the U.S. Navy aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Va.
Varela joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Varela serves as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Bulkeley.
“I'm a first generation American,” said Varela. "My father is Mexican, and my mom is Colombian. They were naturalized and had the opportunity to become citizens. So, I felt obligated to repay and serve the country who gave my parents a great opportunity."
Growing up in San Tan Valley, Varela attended Florence High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Varela relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Tan Valley to succeed in the military.
“Diversity is sometimes seen as a crutch because you may not look like someone else,” said Varela. "Bringing the values of my diversity into the Navy was important to me."
These lessons have helped Varela while serving aboard USS Bulkeley.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Destroyers like USS Bulkeley are taking part in an initiative called Task Group Greyhound (TGG). It is designed to provide the fleet with additional continuously ready, fully certified warships prepared to accomplish a full range of on-demand missions. TGG assigns Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers homeported at Mayport, Florida and Norfolk, Va to be at-the-ready to fill fleet commander requirements and to counter Russian naval threats to the homeland. A growing priority, the destroyer's activities also support the need to maintain an undersea warfare competitive edge over Russian submarines off the East Coast.
Serving in the Navy means Varela is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The world is covered with water, and the ability to have free commerce is crucial to our survival,” said Varela. "Our Navy's forward presence ensures freedom of the seas and protects our national interests around the world."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
The Surface Force is responding to the realities of the modern security environment, and their efforts are critical in preserving freedom of the seas, deterring aggression, and winning wars.
According to Commander Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, “The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment. Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Varela and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“When I was enlisted as a hospital corpsman I was able to serve with the Marines,” said Varela. "That service was an honor and very humbling."
As Varela and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Many people may take the freedoms we have for granted,” added Varela. "Serving in the Navy reaffirms that what we're doing is good. Traveling around the world has helped me appreciate what we have. It affirms my oath of office to ensure we continue to enjoy the freedoms and lifestyle we have today. It's rewarding and humbling."
USS Bulkeley is part of the USS George H.W. Bush Strike Group ramping up for a fleet exercise that will integrate multi-level faceted training that will prepare them for future deployments. The ship’s crew has successfully completed all basic phase training and is making outstanding progress to be prepared to operate in a complex seamanship environment.
