Rusk Native Excelling in Navy
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne
Navy Office of Community Outreach
RUSK – Petty Officer 3rd Class Abraham Flores, a native of Rusk, Texas, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Flores attended Rusk High School and graduated in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rusk.
“I learned growing up in Rusk that I had to be resourceful,” said Flores. “In the Navy, this has helped because I know I have to stay on my toes and think quickly in the moment to safely accomplish my jobs.”
Flores joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Flores serves as an electrician’s mate aboard USS Kearsarge.
“I joined the Navy because college was not an option at the time and I wanted to find something that I liked to do,” said Flores. “I became an electrician’s mate and I love it. Not only do I enjoy my job, but I am setting myself up with a skill that will translate into a good job when I return to the civilian world.”
Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.
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.
Flores and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far has been graduating from nuclear ‘A’ school,” said Flores. “I didn’t make it all the way through the nuclear program, but it taught me that I could be mentally tough, no matter how draining the situation is.”
As Flores and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I am part of something bigger than myself,” added Flores. “When I was back home I worked at a farm where I didn’t see a future. In the Navy, I have a purpose and my future is filled with potential.”
Flores is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my sister, Zurisadai, who is part of the Army National Guard, and encouraged me to join the Navy and supports me in every possible way,” added Flores.
Flores has goals for their future in the Navy.
“I want to reach the rank of petty officer first class and then look at possibly getting commissioned,” said Flores.
