Navy Chief Warrant Officer and San Angelo Native Set to Retire

MILLINGTON, TN – Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Mendez, a San Angelo, Texas, native will retire from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of honorable and distinguished service serving with Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Portsmouth, Virginia.

The following is an article from the Navy Outreach.

Mendez, a 1992 San Angelo Central High School graduate and 2007 graduate of University of Arkansas, joined the Navy to serve his country and to make his family proud. 

"My parents always worked so hard to provide for me and my brothers," said Mendez. "They sacrificed so much for us. I wanted to show them that they raised a good man."

Mendez uses skills and values similar to those found in San Angelo to succeed in the Navy. 

"The community of San Angelo and my family taught me that life is about family, friendships, respect and honor," said Mendez.

NNSY Portsmouth is one of the largest shipyards in the world and it is the oldest and largest industrial facility that belongs to the U.S. Navy. The shipyard specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines. It can not only dry-dock, overhaul and repair any ship in the U.S. fleet.

"The best job in the Navy is a Warrant Officer," said Mendez. "They are respected by both enlisted and officers for their expertise and experience. Everyday was a blessing. Leading young men and women from so many walks of life from all over the country and building them into a successful team."

Serving in the Navy means Mendez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy ensures the safe navigation of our waters and trade routes all over the world," said Mendez. "We provide assistance for both national and global emergencies."

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent 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.”

Mendez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunites to achieve accomplishment during thier military service. 

"My proudest accomplishment is serving 30 successful years in the U.S. Navy and receiving a Meritorious Service Medal from the President," said Mendez. 

As Mendez and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the Unites States Navy. 

"I'm proud to have served and represent my family and my hometown in every decision and action while I served," said Mendez. 

During Mendez's illustrious career, he served aboard USS Enterprise, USS Nimitz, USS Ronald Reagan, USS Roosevelt, USS George H.W. Bush and USS Gerald Ford.  

Mendez has also met four U.S. Presidents, two foreign presidents, and saved two lives. 

"My proudest moments are provided to me daily by my daughters, wife, father, mother, brothers and the rest of my extended family," added Mendez. 

Mendez's parents both reside in San Angelo, Texas.