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By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – Seaman Apprentice Alejandra Zepedaavacos, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Zepedaavacos attended Indian Springs High School and graduated in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino
“Junior ROTC and the Police Academy gave me a solid foundation for when I joined the military,” said Zepedaavacos. “When I got here, I knew a lot of the terminology and that helped me grow since I didn’t have to start from scratch.”
Zepedaavacos joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted ambition and to have better goals,” said Zepedaavacos. “I don’t come from a military family so I wanted to show my family that I could do this and that they could have faith in me.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition. New Jersey is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built for a full gender-integrated crew.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Zepedaavacos 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.”
Zepedaavacos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to help my mom,” said Zepedaavacos. “I have always helped her but now I can help her more than I used to.”
Zepedaavacos can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means taking pride in what I do and being accountable for my actions,” said Zepedaavacos.
Zepedaavacos is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Elsa, my siblings, Memito and Ximena, and friends back home for supporting me,” added Zepedaavacos. “They always encourage me to put my best foot forward and tell me I can do anything I set my mind to.”
