Titusville Native, Petty Officer 2nd Class Exequiel Elizarde Serving Aboard USS Pearl Harbor

By  //  February 4, 2022

Elizarde serves as a U.S. Navy engineman

Titusville native and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Exequiel Elizarde is participating in Marine Exercise Philippines aboard USS Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy warship that transports and launches Marines from sea to shore as part of amphibious assault operations. (U.S. Navy image)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Serving in the Navy means Elizarde is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. NAVY – Titusville native and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Exequiel Elizarde is participating in Marine Exercise Philippines aboard USS Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy warship that transports and launches Marines from sea to shore as part of amphibious assault operations.

The USS Pearl Harbor is a Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship designed to deliver Marines and their equipment in support of amphibious operations including landings via Landing Craft, Air Cushion, conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores.

Elizarde joined the Navy for the opportunity the Navy provides.

“I joined the Navy to get a stable job and to travel the world,” said Elizarde who serves as a U.S. Navy engineman. “I like that I get to fix things.”

On January 27, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps began training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as part of MAREX 2022 to further the maritime security capabilities of the U.S. and the Philippines and Elizarde was proud to participate.

Elizarde said the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Titusville.

“While growing up in the Philippines, I learned to be resourceful and to adapt,” said Elizarde.

Homeported in San Diego, the USS Pearl Harbor is longer than two football fields at 610 feet. The ship is 84 feet wide and weighs more than 16,000 tons. It has four diesel engines that can push the ship through the water in excess of 25 mph.

Homeported in San Diego, the USS Pearl Harbor is longer than two football fields at 610 feet. The ship is 84 feet wide and weighs more than 16,000 tons. It has four diesel engines that can push the ship through the water in excess of 25 mph. (U.S. Navy image)

Serving in the Navy means Elizarde is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defense through strategic management and intervention in seas foreign and domestic,” said Elizarde.

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy.

“I’m most proud of being promoted to the rank of E5 and I getting to train my fellow junior sailors,” said Elizarde.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Elizarde, 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 to me means I am able to support the Navy’s mission to the world,” said Elizarde.

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