Each month the Defense Department celebrates the contributions of Americans to the nation’s history. For Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Salas, a dedicated and skilled sailor, his career reflects a commitment to service and personal growth shaped by his determination and experiences.
About 15 years ago, Salas made the decision to join the Navy, driven by a desire to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy and to improve himself. “I wanted to serve and challenge myself to be better,” he said.
From 2007 to 2010, Salas served as an engineman aboard the USS Whidbey Island, a dock landing ship, where he honed his technical expertise. He then transferred to the USS Chafee, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from 2011 to 2014. During this assignment, the Navy recognized his adaptability and transitioned his rating to machinist mate.
Following a stint at Everett, Washington, Salas now serves aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, based in Bremerton. In the reactor department, his precision and skill contribute to the ship’s operational readiness.
Beyond his technical role, Salas has been a standout member of the All-Navy Softball team since 2018. His athletic achievements include a co-silver medal at the 2018 Armed Forces Tournament and a championship title at the 2019 World Sports League Military Tournament, where each team member earned a championship ring. “Softball has taught me the value of relying on teammates and building strong bonds through shared effort,” he said. “We work together to succeed and leave the field proud, no matter the outcome.”
Salas also emphasized the importance of resilience: “I’ve learned that when you or a teammate stumbles, the key is to lift them up, encourage growth from setbacks, and keep pushing forward.”
Looking to the future, Salas is focused on earning a college degree and advancing to the rank of chief, goals that reflect his ambition and dedication to both personal and professional excellence.