Photo By Cmdr. Cheryl Collins | Operation Specialist 1st Class Claudia Silva, a native of Indio, Calif., stands...... read more read more
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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Operations Specialist 1st Class Claudia Silva, a native of Indio, Calif., serves as a citizen Sailor in the U.S. Navy Reserve and is assigned to Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Corpus Christi in Texas.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Indio.
“Growing up, I learned to go after what I want, even if it feels scary or others doubt me,” Silva said. “Being small and only 4-foot-11, people often thought I couldn’t do certain things. But I’ve proven that size doesn’t matter—you can achieve anything if you work for it.”
Silva joined the Navy 14 years ago, serving seven years on active duty and another seven years in the Reserve.
“I joined the Navy because my friends were joining, and I wanted to try something different from school,” Silva said. “It was a chance to do something unique and challenging.”
As an operations specialist, Silva handles critical navigation and combat information, ensuring mission success at sea. Her role reflects the essential contributions of Sailors in supporting the Navy’s global mission.
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, emphasized the Navy’s purpose on the world stage in her priorities paper titled America’s Warfighting Navy. Franchetti stated, “We are here to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war.”
Silva reflected on her proudest accomplishments during her service.
“My time on the USS Halsey (DDG 97) stands out,” Silva said. “As an E-3 (seaman), I took on responsibilities that were typically reserved for E-5s (2nd class petty officers) or officers. Getting those qualifications was a big moment for me, proving that I could step up and make an impact.”
Silva’s Navy career has also taken her to incredible places, including Sydney and Perth, Australia, Canada, and participation in a WestPac deployment.
“Traveling with the Navy has been a highlight for me,” Silva said. “It’s given me experiences I’ll carry with me for life.”
The Navy Reserve provides Sailors like Silva the flexibility to serve while balancing civilian careers. This dual role ensures reservists are ready to support operations whenever called upon.
“When the call comes to mobilize the Reserve Force, I am counting on each of you to be ready on day one to deliver warfare expertise to the Navy, Joint, and Combined Force,” said Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, Chief of the Navy Reserve in her first message to the Navy Reserve Force on Sept. 10, 2024.
Serving in the Navy holds deep personal meaning for Silva.
“For me, it’s about doing something most people won’t or can’t do,” Silva said. “It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone to serve your country and go above and beyond.”
In her civilian career, Silva works as a respiratory therapist at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, further demonstrating her commitment to helping others.
Silva credits her father with shaping her path and teaching her the importance of keeping promises.
“My dad taught me the importance of commitment,” Silva said. “Even when I had other opportunities, like attending UC Santa Barbara, he reminded me that I made a promise to join the Navy, and I needed to see it through. That lesson has stayed with me.”
Silva serves in a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2024 16:14 |
| Story ID: | 486003 |
| Location: | CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | INDIO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 15,862 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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