Born in Inglewood, California to parents from Panama, Chief Select Tavalk Minerve’s journey to anchors began with lessons of perseverance from his single mother, who raised him and his sister to never settle. What started as an unplanned enlistment in 2002 after a high school setback became a 23-year career marked by adaptability, leadership, and resilience—from striking ABF aboard USS George Washington to finding purpose as a recruiter and mentor. Though setbacks like missed promotions tested his resolve, Minerve credits mentors, family, and Sailors for guiding him to this long-awaited milestone, making his selection to Chief not just a personal achievement, but a shared victory.
From Inglewood to Anchors: A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
