Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Javier Samayoa, son of Alma Garza of Suffolk, participated in Trafalgar 200 commemorative events in Portsmouth, England while assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan, homeported in Norfolk.

The event commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Samayoa’s unit hosted several media outlets aboard Saipan and also participated in the International Fleet Review, which included more than 160 ships from more than 36 of the world’s navies.

Amphibious assault ships like USS Saipan deploy throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons available.