By
Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 2004 Bell Gardens High School graduate and Bell Gardens, California native
is serving in the U.S. Navy with Afloat Training Group San Diego.
A Navy information systems technician is responsible for managing satellite
communications and networks.
“I enjoy
everything about this job because of the challenge it gives me,” said Rangel.
“I am always doing something satisfying. I am constantly learning so I don't
get bored.”
The training
group provides dynamic training to Navy and Coast Guard sailors to ensure a
combat ready force capable of performing a broad spectrum of missions,
according to Navy officials. Special emphasis is placed on preparing ships'
training teams, special evolution teams and watch teams to institutionalize the
onboard capability to sustain and improve combat readiness throughout an
employment cycle.
“I like this
command because you are able to effect more people who serve aboard the ships,”
said Rangel. “When you start the training cycle, you see a big difference from
start to finish. You really get to see people grow.”
Afloat Training
Group San Diego strives to keep sailors’ warfare expertise sharp by maintaining
professional knowledge and skills through a robust training program of
installations and factory training, technical symposiums, informal training and
self-study. By maintaining a group of subject matters experts in different
warfare areas, they prepare ships to be missions ready.
"It’s amazing to hear our sailors’
stories,” said Capt. James Storm, commander of Afloat Training Group San Diego.
“Some of them are working on their PhDs and others are working on their first
degree. I’ve met sailors who grew up in extreme poverty, and now they own their
own home here in Southern California. Serving here at Afloat Training Group is
considered a career enhancing tour because these sailors are recognized
experts. They lay the foundation for successful deployments.”
According to Navy officials, approximately 355 sailors
make up the training group making their jobs highly specialized in order to
keep each part of the command running smoothly.
As a member of
the Afloat Training Group San Diego, sailors prepare ships to deploy. Rangel explained they are
building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. The trainers know how
important it is for the Navy to maintain and uphold war-fighting capabilities
to continue their success on the world’s oceans.
“Every time I have reenlisted in the Navy has been for a
different reason,” added Rangel. “This last time it was because I love what I
do and wanted to continue to serve my country. I wanted to give back.”