MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Xao Vang, a native of Merced, California, recently graduated from the U.S. Navy's Officer Candidate School (OCS) on March 8.
Vang, a 2009 graduate of Merced High School, joined the Navy 13 years ago. Additionally, Vang graduated from Excelsior University graduate in 2020.
"I joined the Navy for the pay and educational opportunities to find a career," said Vang. "Additionally, I joined alongside my three best friends who also served in the Navy."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Merced.
"Growing up in a small town in California, I grew up doing a lot of agricultural farming," said Vang. "This shaped my work ethic to help me succeed in the Navy,"
OCS is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport. This is the final step in a sailor’s transition into the Naval Officer Corps. This course is comprehensive, intense and designed to reinforce understanding of the responsibilities of a naval officer.
Prior to joining OCS, Vang was an enlisted chief petty officer serving as a yeoman responsible for performing clerical and general administrative duties.
"It allows me to develop my sailors and myself both personally and professionally," said Vang. "It has allowed me to grow and positively influence sailors' careers. Becoming an officer will allow me to expand further."
Located in Newport, Rhode Island, OCS is designed to provide newly commissioned Navy officers with the basic information required to understand Naval culture. It prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.
Vang has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment was when I was selected to chief petty officer in 2021," added Vang. "It was a testament to my leadership and those who have helped me on my journey in the Navy."
Vang serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.