Fireman Christopher Vargas, a 2015 Royal Palm Beach High School graduate, is serving aboard USS Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy dock landing ship, currently deployed in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Arabian Sea.
Vargas is responsible for being an engineer, which includes basic firefighting, machine mechanics and boat engineering. He joined the U.S. Navy one year ago in hopes of setting himself up for a better life.
“My life was pretty stagnant, and I didn’t really see myself getting anywhere meaningful, in terms of prospering and growing,” Vargas said. “I saw the Navy as an opportunity to change that. I also wanted to travel the world, and I’m also getting paid to do it, so I see it as a win-win. I also wanted to make my family proud, as I am one of the very few people to serve in the military.”
According to Vargas, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those he learned at home.
“I learned that no matter what you do in life, hard work will pay off in the end,” Vargas said. “I’ve learned that one’s background, whether it be where you’re from, how you grew up, or factors that we can’t control, when you put your mind to anything you want to accomplish, you can get it done.”
Homeported in San Diego, USS Pearl Harbor is a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship named after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
According to Navy officials, dock landing ships support amphibious operations, including landings via landing craft air cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores by transporting and launching amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel in amphibious assault operations.
“I really like that most of the people at this command care about the well-being of their shipmates and are approachable,” Vargas said. “I feel comfortable in knowing that I can go to any of my fellow firemen or a first class petty officer, chief or officer, and be open about what I got going on or any concerns that I have about the command or job at hand.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Vargas is most proud of being named Food Service Attendant of the Month for July 2021.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Vargas, 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 in the Navy to me, means that I get to carry on the tradition of those who came before me, and help set up the next generation of future sailors for success,” Vargas said.
