Glendale taught me to always move forward, because we always want to make progress and excel.”

John Delossantos

By Megan Brown, Special to Independent Newsmedia

Petty Officer 2nd Class John Delossantos is a personnel specialist who manages sailors records and is one of the sailors supporting littoral combat ships in San Diego.

“My favorite part about the job is helping the service members,” Mr. Delossantos said. “It is the least I can do for them since they do so much for the ship.”

Mr. Delossantos is a 2013 graduate of Dysart High School, 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage, and a native of Glendale.

According to Mr. Delossantos, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Glendale.

“Glendale taught me to always move forward, because we always want to make progress and excel,” he said.

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 fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Littoral combat ships are considered the future of the Navy because of their technologically-advanced engineering and versatility to deter multiple threats. The ships are designed to complete surface, mine and anti-submarine warfare missions, as well as prevent similar threats.

Sailors who support littoral combat ships add depth to the fleet in terms of manning, maintenance and training. Their support allows commanders to successfully operate in littoral environments.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” Mr. Gilday said. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Mr. Delossantos is most proud of being Sailor of the Year on USS Frank Cable in 2017.

“They saw potential in me,” he said. “I enjoyed my job and I always go out of the way to go above expectations. I always do a little more than what they expect.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Delossantos, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” he added. “The Navy has given me opportunities I won’t have otherwise. It has helped me become a better version of myself. I am not done growing yet. I think there is still more to learn.”

Editor’s note: Megan Brown is with the Navy Office of Community Outreach.