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(San Diego, CA) – US Navy Senior Chief Dan Reyes and his daughter, Navy ROTC Midshipman Gabriella Reyes, recently spent eight days together during a deployment aboard the USS Nimitz. Originally from Miami and currently stationed in San Diego, the elder Reyes explains he never pressured his children to follow in his footsteps, but wasn’t surprised when both Gabriella and her twin sister chose to join the Navy.
Gabriella, a junior at Florida State University, is part of the Navy ROTC program, where midshipmen gain firsthand experience aboard naval vessels. During her time on the Nimitz, she observed flight deck operations, participated in a replenishment at sea, and shared several meals with her father. The experience gave her a deeper understanding of his dedication and work ethic, reinforcing her own commitment to the Navy. She says it helped her gain a greater appreciation for how he balances his demanding role as a senior chief with his responsibilities as a father.
