Filipino sailor serving aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt shares journey of service and discipline

SAN DIEGO — Seaman Lorenzo Mercado, a Manila-born Filipino serving in the U.S. Navy, is currently assigned aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California, where he works as a personnel specialist supporting daily shipboard operations while adapting to life in one of the most demanding environments in modern naval service.

Mercado represents a growing number of Filipinos serving in the U.S. military, and his journey reflects both the challenges of naval life and the values he carried with him from the Philippines into his career in uniform.

From Manila to service

Mercado’s path to the U.S. Navy began in Manila before he eventually moved to the United States, where he completed his education at Niles West High School in Chicago in 2012 and later earned an associate degree in arts from Oakton Community College in 2016 while continuing to pursue further studies in computer science through Western Governors University.

He joined the U.S. Navy seven months ago, motivated largely by his desire to support his family and build a stable future, a decision he says was also influenced by early exposure to stories and films about naval service.

“My family was my inspiration to join the Navy,” Mercado said, adding that his goal is to provide a better life experience for those closest to him.

Life aboard carrier

Life aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt places Mercado inside a floating city of more than 5,000 sailors, operating one of the most advanced aircraft carriers in the world, a vessel designed for global deployment, combat readiness, and humanitarian missions across international waters.

The ship itself stretches more than 1,000 feet in length and serves as a mobile airbase capable of launching and recovering aircraft while sustaining extended operations far from shore, making it a central asset in U.S. naval strategy.

Mercado describes adjusting to life at sea as both challenging and formative, particularly as he navigates long deployments and time away from family while learning the demands of military structure and discipline.

Values at sea

Mercado credits his Filipino upbringing for shaping how he handles pressure and interacts with others in a high-stress environment, pointing to lessons of patience, respect, and resilience that continue to guide his daily conduct aboard the ship.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset even during difficult situations, noting that attitude and discipline play a major role in how sailors respond to challenges at sea.

Despite the hardships, Mercado says his service has already given him a strong sense of pride, especially after completing boot camp and overcoming the emotional strain of separation from his wife during training.

As the U.S. Navy marks 250 years of service, officials continue to highlight the importance of diverse personnel like Mercado, whose stories reflect the global nature of modern military service and the personal sacrifices behind it.