By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Seaman Apprentice Mateo Romero, a native of Thomasville, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy at the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Students at NATTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Romero joined the Navy four months ago. Today, Romero serves as an aviation support equipment technician.
“Ever since I was eight years old, I wanted to be a police officer,” said Romero. “I spoke with a lot of officers and veterans who helped me realize that the Navy would be a great place to start my career of protecting and serving."
According to Romero, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Thomasville.
“Back home, my mom always said that I had to be on top of all the things I’m responsible for,” said Romero. “She taught me to be independent, have good discipline and to be respectful. These traits have served me well in my short Navy career.
Naval Air Technical Training Center’s mission is to provide world class professional aviation warriors to the Navy fleet supporting combat readiness anywhere on the globe, while taking good care of our people, families and being good neighbors and stewards in the city of Pensacola and the surrounding region.
NATTC’s leaders and experts develop, deliver and leverage technology to optimize performance of our Navy, Marine Corps and foreign national students. We provide the most up-to-date and relevant training available to our sailors and Marines ensuring Naval aviation’s success.
Serving in the Navy means Romero is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy protects our way of life,” said Romero. “If we don’t have people serving in the Navy, then we won’t be able to protect it.”
Romero and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of getting through boot camp without being held back,” said Romero. “I learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
As Romero and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy is a place where I can hold myself to a higher standard and progress in my career,” added Romero.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.