By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. Petty Officer Third Class Valerie Dominguez, a native of Odessa, serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Dominguez attended Odessa High School and graduated in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Odessa.
“Growing up in Odessa, I learned to be resilient,” said Dominguez. “In the Navy, you have to be resilient because things change so quickly. Sometimes you are going to get knocked down, but you if you are resilient you can get back up.”
Dominguez joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as a culinary specialist (submarines).
“I joined the Navy and became a culinary specialist because I want to eventually open my own café and I was told the Navy can assist me with a business loan,” said Dominguez. “I chose submarines because why should I be an ordinary surface sailor when I can do something unique.”
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition. New Jersey is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built for a full gender-integrated crew.
With 90% 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Dominguez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Dominguez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the recognition I get from the crew of USS New Jersey,” said Dominguez. “Earlier this year I received a command coin from a three-star admiral who wanted to recognize me for my work. That is a moment I won’t ever forget.”
Dominguez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I am pushing forward with my life while helping others and serving my country,” added Dominguez.
Dominguez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Alejandra, and my great-grandmother, Pepa, for supporting me, even though my mom was a little bit hesitant when I first joined,” added Dominguez. “My great-grandmother was very supportive from the beginning and wanted me to have the opportunity to take care of myself.”
“I want to continue to learn my job and become more confident in what I do,” said Dominguez.
