Seaman Alberto Alia, a native of Phoenix, is currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois as a student serving with Naval Education and Training Command.

Alia joined the Navy a year and a half ago.

“I joined the Navy to further my education and to see the world,” Alia said.

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

“I learned growing up that I need to work hard to succeed both in the Navy and civilian life,” he said.

During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms marksmanship.

Naval Station Great Lakes is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on more than 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Sering in the Navy is a lifetime opportunity that opens one’s life choices to improve yourself,” Alia said.

Alia is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my father, Alberto Alia Sr., who taught me many life lessons that led to me joining the Navy,” he added. “I also want to thank my mother, Anna Maria Alia, for wanting me to keep improving my life.”