Father and Daughter Serve Together on USS Nimitz in the South China Sea

SOUTH CHINA SEA — Aviation Machinist’s Mate Senior Chief Dan Reyes and his daughter, Midshipman 2nd Class Gabriella Reyes, found themselves serving together aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) for eight days during a recent deployment. The encounter provided a unique experience as both father and daughter engaged in naval operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Senior Chief Reyes, leading chief petty officer for Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6, expressed his excitement about serving alongside his daughter, who is a junior majoring in statistics at Florida State University. “It’s been a dream come true,” he said. “I would never have imagined I would be deployed with one of my daughters. I’m so happy that I was able to share with her what we do while deployed.”

Midshipman Reyes, who visited the Nimitz for her summer training cruise, shared her initial apprehensions and her goals for the experience. “Coming aboard, I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I wanted to see my dad, but I also aimed to learn during my time here. Everyone I have come across has helped me with that goal.”

Senior Chief Reyes explained that while he did not actively steer his children toward military service, their upbringing as military children influenced their career paths. “When they graduated from high school, I asked them what they wanted to do,” he said. “They wanted to go to college, and while in college, they chose Navy ROTC.”

During their time together, the father-daughter duo experienced various naval operations, including flight deck activities and replenishments at sea. Midshipman Reyes noted the difference between hearing about life at sea and actually experiencing it. “Hearing about [life and work at sea] is different than experiencing it,” she said. “I’m still missing out on the long hours of hard work, but I can see how intense and demanding it is for the Sailors around the ship.”

Her experience aboard the Nimitz deepened her understanding of her father’s dedication and work ethic. She noted that witnessing him in his role helped her appreciate the challenges faced by service members. “Seeing [him in this element] has put the picture together in seeing how hard he works,” she said. “He deals tough love but always wants the best, and that’s what he works towards.”

As active Navy service members, both Reyes and Gabriella embrace the importance of service. Senior Chief Reyes emphasized that their paths are not different. “It’s a path I’ve taken of serving honorably in the Navy and our country,” he said, stressing that whether enlisted or commissioned, every individual should serve.