SAN DIEGO – Airman Elijah Esquivel, a native of Vallejo, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30.
Esquivel graduated from American Canyon High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Vallejo.
“The biggest thing I learned growing up is the importance of diversity,” said Esquivel. “Vallejo is super diverse. There’s not a majority or minority there, it’s just all kinds of people. Being able to communicate with people while understanding that everyone has their quirks from how they’re raised goes a long way because the Navy is extremely diverse.”
Esquivel joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Esquivel serves as an aviation electrician’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted more options for my future,” said Esquivel. “COVID took out a lot of options. I also didn’t want to go to college but I had to do something. Serving in the Navy is going to set me up for the future and I will get something good out of it.”
Members of VRM 30 fly and maintain the CMV-22B Osprey, a vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft. VRM aircraft have increased operational range, faster cargo loading and unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
With 90% of global commerce travelling 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.”
Esquivel has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud I was able to tough out the school pipeline to get here,” said Esquivel. “It was a year-long process to go ‘A’ School through ‘C’ School. It’s gruelling and can be boring, but I made it through that and did well.”
Esquivel serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something,” said Esquivel. “That’s what it comes down to, that I’m part of something. Being proud of being in the Navy is important to me.”
Esquivel is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my brother, Noah,” added Esquivel. “He is also in the Navy and gave me a lot of knowledge about what to expect. He walked me through the recruiting process and prepared me. I also want to thank my parents, Steeve and Alison, for raising me into who I am today.”
