SAN DIEGO – A 2015 Lower Lake High School graduate and Clearlake native is playing a key role in supporting the newest and largest amphibious warship in the Navy.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Edgar Cuevas is a seaman serving aboard USS America (LHA 6), based in San Diego.
America is the fourth warship to be named for the United States.
As a seaman, Cuevas is responsible for upkeep of the ship conditions with maintenance and driving it as well as all of the vehicles on board.
“My job is very unique because I get to work with fellow sailors which makes my job enjoyable, we are like one big family," said Cuevas. "It's easier to work with people you get along with."
America is equipped with a fuel-efficient hybrid electric propulsion system, which is an energy initiative designed to increase range, endurance and longer deployments enhancing America's combat capability.
It’s 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs nearly 45,000 tons, with two gas turbine engines that push the ship through water at more than 22 knots.
Her mission is to support a wide spectrum of military operations and missions, including putting Marines ashore for combat operations, launching air strikes, keeping sea lanes free and open for the movement of global commerce, and delivering humanitarian aid following a disaster like the typhoon that devastated the Philippines in 2013.
As a member of the U.S. Navy’s finest warships, Cuevas said he and other sailors are proud to be part of most capable amphibious force in the world
“It means a lot because I know this ship is held to a high standard and it motivates me to uphold those standards and be the best sailor I can be supporting my country,” said Cuevas.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied on America, according to Navy officials. Their job includes keeping all parts of the ship running smoothly – this includes everything from maintaining aircrafts and engines, processing paperwork, to handling weapons and flying the aircraft.
Serving in the Navy, Cuevas is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
"I've learned self-discipline from my time in the Navy," said Cuevas. "It gives me a sense of pride of honor knowing that I am a part of something that is bigger than myself.”
Petty Officer Jamal McNeill works for the Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs.
Clearlake native serves aboard warship named after United States of America
- Petty Officer Jamal McNeill
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