DEMING/COLUMBUS, N.M. – A Columbus native and Deming High School graduate is representing southern New Mexico while serving aboard a U.S. Navy warship participating in the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
Seaman Adrian Molina, a 2024 graduate of Deming High School, serves as a quartermaster aboard the USS Carl M. Levin during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise. Molina joined the Navy two years ago, saying he enlisted to build a better future while having the opportunity to see places such as Hawaii, Alaska, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Molina said the work ethic he learned growing up in Columbus continues to guide him in the Navy.
“I learned growing up that if you want something, you’re going to have to earn it,” Molina said. “There are no handouts in life.”
As a quartermaster, Molina plays an important role in navigation aboard the USS Carl M. Levin while participating in RIMPAC 2026, a multinational exercise designed to strengthen cooperation, readiness, and maritime security among allied nations.
This year’s exercise brings together 31 nations, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 140 aircraft, and over 25,000 military personnel. The biennial training includes maritime security operations, disaster response, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, amphibious operations, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and other complex military exercises.
One of Molina’s favorite experiences during RIMPAC was visiting a Mexican naval vessel.
“I love seeing countries come together during RIMPAC,” Molina said. “One really special moment was getting to tour the Mexican ship and learning how they do things because I am Mexican. I was able to speak Spanish with them and eat real, genuine Mexican cuisine. It was a little taste of home.”
Molina said serving in the Navy means living by the core values of honor, courage, and commitment while contributing to something larger than himself.
He also expressed gratitude to Quartermaster 1st Class Lemus for providing mentorship both on and off duty and offered a special shoutout to his home state.
“I also want to give a big shoutout to my state, the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico,” Molina said.
RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th edition of the exercise, which began in 1971. Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the training is intended to strengthen cooperation among partner nations and promote security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
