SAN DIEGO — Seaman Apprentice Joshua Pena, a native of El Centro, California, serves aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex, currently operating out of San Diego, California.

Pena graduated from Central Union High School in 2024.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in El Centro.

“I learned growing up to always work hard, make an honest living, and to be a leader,” Pena said.

Pena joined the Navy one year ago.

“I joined to follow in the footsteps of my two brothers, Jonathan Pena and Jared Bissell, who are both currently serving in the Army,” Pena said. “I also wanted to find a career serving my country that could help my dad get his citizenship.”

Essex plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for nav

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