NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Fernando Castellanos, a native of Mabton, Washington, serves aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
 |
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adriones Johnson, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Castellanos graduated from Mabton Junior Senior High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mabton.
“I learned the importance of hard work,” said Castellanos. "I grew up in a rural area, where there's a lot of farming. So, knowing how to stick with what you started helped me make it this far in the Navy."
Castellanos joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Castellanos serves as an aviation boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to meet new people and see the world,” said Castellanos. "So far, I've visited Norway, Greece, Italy and Turkey."
The crew recently completed an eight-month deployment, which was the first deployment for the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was extended 76 days following the outbreak of conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation and support Israel in its right to self-defense.
While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Türkiye. Other ships in the strike group visited Belgium, Cyprus, Montenegro, Spain, and Sweden.
“The Gerald R. Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more. I am so proud of the crew, who breathed life into the world’s most technologically advanced warship and stood the watch in defense of our national interests,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our sailors performed admirably. Ford sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”
In 239 days underway, the ship’s crew conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 17,826 flight hours and 10,396 sorties, sailed more than 83,476 nautical miles, and safely transferred 20.7 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps. The Ford crew conducted 33,444 flight deck moves, 3,124 hangar bay aircraft moves, 2,883 aircraft elevator moves, 16,351 aircraft fueling evolutions, and transferred 8,850 pallets of cargo and mail. The Gerald R. Ford culinary team prepared and served 3.1 million meals, which included approximately 48,000 dozen eggs, 24,000 gallons of milk, 131,000 hamburgers, 367,000 pounds of chicken, and Gerald R. Ford’s favorite, 79,000 chocolate chip cookies.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Castellanos serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."
Castellanos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of being advanced to my current rank of petty officer second class,” said Castellanos. "My chain of command nominated me for a meritorious advancement, which I'm thankful for. It was rewarding to see that all the hard work earning my qualifications paid off."
Castellanos can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy provides an opportunity to grow as much as you want,” said Castellanos. "If you take advantage of the opportunity, it can offer a clean slate to start your life over."
Castellanos is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Angelica Reyna, for always supporting me,” added Castellanos. "Watching her work all the time showed me the importance of a strong work ethic."