By Chief Yeoman Vicki Sonnenberg, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Cruz Vargus, a native of Ontario, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Pinckney, a Navy destroyer operating out of Naval Base San Diego.
Vargus graduated from Apple Valley High School in 2002.
“Working in the music industry and performing taught me how to step into different roles and present myself professionally,” Vargus said. “Performing requires you to take on a persona and commit fully to the role, and I found that military service requires a similar level of discipline, bearing, and professionalism. You must understand your role, represent it well, and perform to the standard expected of you.”
Vargus joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I joined the Navy for stability after working several jobs in the music industry,” Vargus said. “I had already earned an associate degree in music, but I decided I wanted a more stable career and a new direction. My brother had served one tour in the Army and was the first person in my family to serve in the military, which set an example for me to follow.”
Today, Vargus serves as an interior communications electrician.
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.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Pinckney. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that always keep the ship mission-ready, according to Navy officials.
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.
Vargus has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a division during the USS Kearsarge deployment and being recognized with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” Vargus said. “Having the opportunity to lead sailors during deployment and then be recognized for that work was a meaningful accomplishment for me.”
Vargus 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 having the opportunity to do something that not everyone has the opportunity or chooses to volunteer to do,” Vargus said. “I take pride in serving my country and being part of an organization where I can contribute to something greater than myself.”
Vargus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for making me the person I am today and for their unconditional love and support,” Vargus added. “I would also like to thank Master Chief Interior Communications Electrician Lange for his mentorship, his belief in me, and his push to help me succeed. His guidance has helped me continue to grow throughout my Navy career.”
“My goal is to continue advancing in the Navy and eventually become a chief petty officer or pursue a limited duty officer commission in the electronics field,” Vargus said. “I want to continue developing my leadership skills and use my experience to contribute at a higher level.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
