Paul Rico was born on March 14, 1956, in Bourne, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 12, 1973, and completed basic training at NTC Orlando, Florida, in August 1973. His first assignment was as a Seaman and then Gunner's Mate Technician aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) from September 1973 to November 1976, followed by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training at Indian Head, Maryland, from November 1976 to July 1977. Petty Officer Rico served as an EOD Technician with Nuclear Weapons Training Group, Atlantic, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, from July 1977 to August 1980, and then attended additional EOD training at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and at Indian Head, Maryland, from September 1980 to November 1981. His next assignment was as an EOD Technician at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWO (EODMU-2) at Fort Story, Virginia, and at Naval Base Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, from November 1981 to October 1986, followed by service with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit TWO (EODTEU-2) at Fort Story and at Roosevelt Roads from October 1986 until he was killed in a training accident in Puerto Rico on March 13, 1989. Paul Rico was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.