Navy Office of Community Outreach
By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
San Diego, CA–Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniela Samaniego, a native of San Diego, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Samaniego graduated from Montgomery High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up, I learned to be independent and take care of my responsibilities,” Samaniego said. “I’ve applied that in the Navy by staying organized and handling my work without being told what to do most of the time. Also, where I’m from, having respect and looking out for others is a big thing, which I believe is something very important to have in the Navy.”
Samaniego joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Samaniego serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy for the great opportunities the Navy offered for me to grow and learn,” Samaniego said. “I believed it was a great way to challenge myself, and it pushed me to grow. I’m also the first in my family to join the military, so it felt like it was a great step I was about to take.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Among the largest warships in the world, Theodore Roosevelt is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
“This aircraft carrier is one of the most powerful warships in the world, but it is our sailors that give the U.S. Navy our warfighting advantage,” said Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “For over 250 years, sailors have built the foundation of our readiness and resolve, enabled us to keep America safe and ensured the U.S. Navy remains the strongest and most capable maritime force in the world.”
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
Samaniego has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m very proud of finishing at the top of my class in ‘A’ school,” Samaniego said. “Because of that, I was able to advance quickly, which I will always be thankful for. I am also proud of how much I’ve grown since I joined and the level of responsibility I’ve been trusted with.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution 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.
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to help others and also being there for them,” Samaniego said.
Samaniego is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad, who have been my biggest supporters,” Samaniego said. “They are both my inspiration and motivation to keep pushing myself to succeed. Their support has made such an impact in my life and in my career.”
