Carolina Hernandez enlisted in the United States Navy in June 2005, and attended basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of basic training, she began her Naval career on board USS Pearl Harbor LSD 52 where she deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism as undesignated Seaman.
In 2006, she deployed in support of Partnership of the Americas where she earned her Surface Warfare
Specialist qualification and crossed rate to Ship Serviceman. In 2008 She deployed in support of
Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Arabian Gulf and got promoted to Petty Officer 3 rd class
assuming the roles of Ship Store Clerk. She was honorably discharge from active duty service in June 2009.
In January 2010, She enrolled at The Art Institute of California-San Diego in the Fashion
Design program. Same year she joined the United States Navy Reserves and received orders to
Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eleven (MSRON-11). Two years later she got recalled to active duty and mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the United Arab Emirates. During the mobilization, she earned her Expeditionary Warfare Specialist qualification. In January 2013, she promoted to Petty Officer 2nd class. Upon completion of deployment she completed her education earning a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design Degree. 2016 was the year she was promoted to Petty Officer 1st class becoming the Supply Department Leading Petty Officer and receiving a NAM during the supply Management Inspection for her outstanding contribution to the department.
In July 2019, She was selected to Retail Specialist Chief Petty Officer and was assigned to NR NMRTC HQ and in April 2023, she was promoted to Retail Specialist Senior Chief and she is currently attached to a MSC Unit at NRC SD.
Her personal awards include CRS 11 SOQ FY 16, NRC LA SOQ FY 18, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Navy Good Conduct Medal and various unit and service awards.
Carolina believes her military service has contributed to her personal and professional growth, during her time on active duty, serving in the Navy reserves and throughout her entrepreneurial journey as a small business owner.