US Navy Shines the Spotlight on a Jasper, Texas Sailor

Every once in a while, I receive an e-mail from the communications center of the United States Navy that spotlights a serviceman/servicewoman who is from the Deep East Texas area. Recently, I was sent information regarding a Navy man from Jasper, Texas.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Cruz serves in the U.S. Navy at a helicopter squadron who flies the newest and most technologically-advanced helicopters. He joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Cruz serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to leave my small town and see what the world had to offer,” said Cruz.

Cruz is a Jasper Bulldog who graduated in 2019. Today, Cruz finds the values in Jasper similar to those needed to succeed in the military.

“I've always committed myself to working hard in order to accomplish the things I want in life,” said Cruz.

These lessons have helped Cruz while serving at Naval Air Station North Island, which is located near San Diego, California. Cruz serves with the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 8) which operates the Navy’s MH-60S Seahawk helicopter.

The MH-60S Seahawk missions include anti-surface warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, combat search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, SPECWAR, and organic airborne mine countermeasures.

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 are directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

“I take pride in earning my surface warfare qualification while deployed in support of global operations,” said Cruz. “Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” Cruz continues.

So, we here at KICKS 105 would like to join many others in East Texas who thank Jose Cruz from Jasper for his loyalty to the Navy and his sacrifices to help keep America safe.