By Ashley Craig
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Luis Melendez, a native of Oviedo, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Melendez graduated from Colonial High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oviedo.
“I didn’t work before I joined, but I did interact with all sorts of people while I was in high school and that taught me to always keep an open mind,” Melendez said. “What I’ve come to learn is that some people have abrasive personalities, and not everyone is as open to change as you may think. Being able to have an open mind and be open to communication helps me navigate through this job.”
Melendez joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Melendez serves as an aviation ordnance-man.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions 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/
