By Eugene Haynes IV, Officer Training Command Newport
NEWPORT, R.I. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 De Vela Cargin, a native of Cambria Heights (Queens), New York, graduated from the U.S. Navy's Limited Duty Officer/Warrant Officer/Chief Warrant Officer (LDO/WO/CWO) Academy on Feb. 28.
Cargin, a 1995 graduate of Springfield Gardens High School, joined the Navy 18 years ago.
"After 9/11, the economy in New York was struggling and I needed to provide for my then six-year-old son,” Cargin said.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cambria Heights.
"I learned about service to others and being an advocate for the well-being of my community,” Cargin said.
The LDO/WO/CWO Academy is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN) Newport, Rhode Island. The academy prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cambria Heights.
"I learned about service to others and being an advocate for the well-being of my community,” Cargin said.
The LDO/WO/CWO Academy is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN) Newport, Rhode Island. The academy prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.
Before starting at the academy, Cargin served as an enlisted chief petty officer. After graduation, Cargin will serve as an officer at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“I can teach and inspire not just sailors and officers but the upcoming generations meant to relieve me once I become a civilian and retire,” Cargin said.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Cargin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest moment has been becoming a chief warrant officer and graduating from LDO/CWO Academy," Cargin added. "It makes me an inspiration to others of what they can achieve."
“I can teach and inspire not just sailors and officers but the upcoming generations meant to relieve me once I become a civilian and retire,” Cargin said.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Cargin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest moment has been becoming a chief warrant officer and graduating from LDO/CWO Academy," Cargin added. "It makes me an inspiration to others of what they can achieve."
As Cargin and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.