Port Neches petty officer participates in warfare exercise

As a 2018 Port Neches-Groves graduate and Port Neches native serving in the U.S. Navy, Yialine Obregon was recently part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). RIMPAC 2022 was the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Obregon is a hospital corpsman aboard USS Essex, currently operating out of San Diego, California. As a hospital corpsman, Obregon is responsible for assisting in the prevention and treatment of disease, disability and injury using medical aid and preventive medicine procedures.

The theme of RIMPAC 2022 was Capable, Adaptive, Partners. The participating nations and forces exercised a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program included gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

“I’m enjoying meeting people from all other countries,” Obregon said while participating. “I’m also looking forward to getting to kick back with some mai tais on the beach.”

With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Obregon and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Being in the Navy means I have a lot of opportunity to learn and grow as a person,” added Obregon.