SAN DIEGO (Aug 21, 2024) – Chief Petty Officer Ibarra Botoy, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, serves aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Botoy, who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines, graduated from Bayside High School in Virginia Beach in 2003.
“My reason for joining the Navy goes back to where I came from in the Philippines,” said Botoy. “The majority of the people who have migrated, that I know, have joined the military. It’s about paying it forward. If it wasn’t for the military I wouldn’t be in this job, or this country.”
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.
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.
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.
Botoy serves a Navy that operates 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.”
Botoy has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is enlisting in the Navy right out of high school and serving every day since,” said Botoy. “By joining the military, I became a naturalized citizen and that means a lot to me and my family. I have two kids and they can now enjoy the opportunities that this country can provide.”
Botoy can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is about opportunity and giving back,” said Botoy. “I am proud to be an American, and to honor my Philippine roots. Our countries have a long history, and I get to honor it.”
Botoy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to give a shoutout to my mom, Grace, and dad, Ibarra Botoy,” added Botoy.