Face of Defense: Female Gunner's Mate Proves Worth During Rim of the Pacific

Navy Seaman Delilah Medina is taking advantage of her opportunity to shine as the only female gunner's mate assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Gridley.

A gunner's mate is responsible for the operation and maintenance of missile launch systems, underwater explosive weapons, gun mounts and other ordnance equipment. They work both on ships and on shore, in the U.S. and overseas, in indoor and outdoor environments. On a team of nine, she's the only woman.

Medina, who's been in the Navy for a year and six months, says she's proud to serve and prove a woman can literally carry her weight.

"I have to be strong-minded," she said. "There are times where I have to carry heavy stuff like the bigger guns, lots of ammo and other equipment that's super heavy, but my team always encourages me… and I say to myself, 'You know what, I got this!' I love it and truly enjoy doing work with my rate."

Medina said she qualified for many different rates when she was at the Military Entrance Processing Station, and that she specifically chose being a gunner's mate because she knows one has to be strong, as well as some history and memories she shares with her family.

"My stepfather has a few guns, shotgun and a couple rifles," said Medina. "We used to go shooting but I would be too scared to shoot," as she laughs. "I feel like when I do it now, I approach it with more confidence, and it helps me to enjoy it more."

Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 also marks Medina's first time in Hawaii, as well as her first ever RIMPAC.

"Oh, it's beautiful here in Hawaii," said Medina. "I did so many things such as hiking, toured a pretty viewpoint, snorkeling and went to so many different beaches here, but on our way to Hawaii, we did a lot of gun exercises, threw grenades, shot the grenade launcher and it was freaking awesome. My whole RIMPAC experience has been breathtaking so far, but I'd say being in Hawaii specifically was my favorite part."

Medina said she's seen the mental and physical strength of women across participating nations on full display at RIMPAC.

"In my short time serving our country, RIMPAC gives me the perfect opportunity to get out there and prove my worth," said Medina. "On a larger scale, it provides me a chance to help show that us women, who are serving in a predominately male rating and environment, can go out and be more than an asset as well. At the end of the day, it's one team, one fight."

Twenty-nine nations and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC, which is the world's largest international maritime exercise.

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