Born and raised in Orlando, 20-year-old Eduardo Velasquez had always fostered a love for travel and a childhood fascination with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, whose beach performances his parents had taken him to see. Velasquez recalled, “I would always remember  seeing the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds’ demonstration teams perform, and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.” He spent his youth attending these military air shows and utilized his admiration by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, which also cultivated his passion for seeing the world and meeting new people.

Lake Nona High School Class of 2017 alumni Eduardo Velasquez now finds himself aboard the USS Ronald Reagan for his second deployment with the U.S. Navy, his first deployment having been on the same ship as well. His job aboard the ship is performing the duties of ABE, or Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment, which he says is essentially responsible for launching and recovering aircraft on the flight deck of aircraft carriers. He aims to make the most out of his current station in Yokosuka, Japan, which shouldn’t be an issue for someone as dedicated as Velasquez.

“As I serve, I hope to stay motivated, move up in rank, and visit more countries.” Velasquez has ported in six different countries, much to his wanderlust, and has met people from all sectors of the world. His adventurous spirit is apparent in the activities he enjoys: “Some of my hobbies when I’m back home are fishing, camping with friends, and swimming/kayaking at Wekiwa Springs.” 

He is proud to simultaneously serve our country and explore what the world has to offer.