Petty Officer 2nd Class Belen Saldana, a native of Houston, Texas, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.
Saldana graduated from Yes Prep North Forest High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“My parents always instilled in me that if your name is on something, you have to put 100 percent into it,” said Saldana. "That's just something I saw with everyone I grew up around."
Saldana joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Saldana serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I wanted to pay for college,” said Saldana. "I was told I could do anything and I felt like the Navy was a good opportunity because I could be exposed to a lot of different jobs at once."
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, supports an admiral’s staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.
With 90 percent 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.
Saldana serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“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.”
Saldana has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud that the Navy has given me the opportunity to travel,” said Saldana. "I've been to Thailand and Guam, and I've spent years in Japan. It's a completely different lifestyle than everyone else in my household."
Saldana can take pride in serving America through military service.
“My idea of service has changed over the years,” said Saldana. "At first it was about doing things for everybody else. Now it's about growth. I think the Navy is just an acceleration of how much someone can grow over a lifetime. It just gets jam-packed when you're serving."
Saldana is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank two mentors who have influenced my career,” added Saldana. "Mass Communication Specialist First Class Mullinax was my first sponsor. She said to always work in a way that pushes the people around you toward success. It's about the impact you have on your whole team."
“Another big influence was Mass Communication Specialist First Class Breeden,” added Saldana. "He's helped raise my confidence on my first ship. It was intimidating coming here and he listens to sailors, regardless of rank, and values their opinions."
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