SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Cora Rage Bracali Gambino, a native of Meridian, Idaho, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Rage Bracali Gambino graduated from Mountain View High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Meridian
“Growing up, I learned the importance of family, friends and teamwork,” Rage Bracali Gambino said. "Growing up with three siblings, I learned how to work together despite disagreements. In the Navy, when you are on deployment, not everyone will have the same perspective. However, learning to work cohesively with different opinions has allowed me to be successful.”
Rage Bracali Gambino joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Rage Bracali Gambino serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined the Navy because I needed a change of pace,” Rage Bracali Gambino said. "My half brother was also in the Navy and I heard about all the opportunities he had. After speaking with the recruiter during lunch at school, I found myself aligned with what the Navy had to offer. Gunner's mate allowed me to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences while also working in an area that I am familiar with."
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Rage Bracali Gambino has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making the rank of first class petty officer in four and a half years,” Rage Bracali Gambino said. "I was the only one that cycle to pick up first class. To be promoted from E-1 to E-6 so fast is usually an anomaly. My evaluation was what propelled me to the rank I am today. It was a testament to my hard work, as well as my team's. It demonstrated that my efforts are recognized and that the harder I work, the more opportunities will be presented to me.”
Rage Bracali Gambino serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy is all about teamwork,” Rage Bracali Gambino said. "When you are out at sea, all you have is the people around you. You learn how to rely on one another and how to work as one cohesive unit."
Rage Bracali Gambino is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my mom,” Rage Bracali Gambino said. "My mom did everything she could to provide us the opportunities we have today. She supported me from day one and she saw the opportunities the Navy would provide me. She has been the best supporter I could've ever asked for."
Quezadahuerta offered words of advice to those considering a career in the Navy.
“The Navy has provided a lot of opportunities,” Rage Bracali Gambino added. "There are a lot of resources you can leverage in the Navy. I am currently getting college paid for and time has flown by. I have learned it's important to seize those opportunities right away."