By Mass Communication Specialist Sean Furey, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO, CA— Airman Apprentice Juan Jimenezbaez, a native of Riverside, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8), at Naval Air Station North Island, California.
Jimenezbaez graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Riverside.
“Growing up, I always needed to be somewhere at a specific time, so I made it a habit to be there 15 minutes beforehand,” Jimenezbaez said. “In the military, if you are on time, you’re late. So it is always better to be early to prepare mentally and physically. Back home, going to church, if you’re not on time, you don’t get a good seat, so it’s best to be early.”
Jimenezbaez joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Jimenezbaez serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to better my life and my family’s, and to make my kids proud of their father,” Jimenezbaez said. “I have two children, and my wife is currently expecting. Before I joined, I was just working in warehouses. I didn’t really have the time to further my education. I always wanted to join, but now that I am in, I have more resources to further my education and provide for my family. The Navy has allowed me the opportunity to better my family and myself. Being first-generation military, I have the opportunity to make everyone proud, especially my kids. I have been able to motivate my siblings, cousins and family to follow in my footsteps in joining the military.”
The “Eightballers” of HSC-8 fly and maintain the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s versatile and most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include airborne mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, combat logistics and medevac.
Jimenezbaez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of graduating from both ‘A’ and ‘C’ school on the honor roll,” Jimenezbaez said. “Because of my status on the honor roll, HSC-8 submitted an early promotion package to promote me from E-2 to E-4. I look forward to being promoted to petty officer when my package goes through. During the time I was in school, I stayed dedicated, knowing I could make a higher rank and that would allow me to better provide for my family and offer them a better life.”
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.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means my loved ones can rest assured they are safe from outside threats and can live a peaceful, free life,” Jimenezbaez said. “I am proud to serve because it means we can maintain a free nation for all Americans. I’m actually part of a solution to the problems of the world that could potentially harm my family and Americans.”
Jimenezbaez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Rosa Jimenez,” Jimenezbaez said. “Without her, none of this would be possible.”
