MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Baretela, a native of Whitestone, New York, was recently named 2024 Sailor of the Year for U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Naples / U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples, Italy.
Baretela is a 2017 graduate of World Journalism Preparatory School. Additionally, Baretela earned a degree from Purdue Global University in 2025.
The Sailor of the Year award is a prestigious honor given to enlisted sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, exceptional leadership and unwavering professionalism.
“Being named Sailor of the Year was something I never thought I would attain,” Baretela said. “It’s just as much a representation of the team I work with rather than just myself. I’m honored to be selected and I will continue to lead the new generation of sailors and guide them through our mission set by the United States Navy.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Whitestone.
“Growing up near New York City taught me how to have a conversation with anyone about anything,” Baretela said. “The ability to network and meet people from all over the world was something I gained growing up, and has been instrumental in the success of my career.”
Baretela has served in the Navy for seven years.
“In 10th grade, I failed English and I decided then that college wasn’t the route for me,” Baretela said. “That summer, I went to the recruiter’s office. I was forced to go to school, but I chose to join the Navy. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Today, Baretela serves as a hospital corpsman.
“My favorite part about being a hospital corpsman and a sailor in general is the ability to train new hospital corpsmen and sailors,” Baretela said. “The ability to help another attain their personal/professional goals is one of the greatest feelings someone can have.”
USNMRTC Naples / USNH Naples is a community hospital with one Naval Branch Health Clinic located at Capodichino and a Navy Fleet Liaison Detachment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany. The main hospital and the branch health clinic provide exceptional quality health care services and support to approximately 9,800 eligible personnel and family members from 62 U.S. Navy tenant commands, USS Mount Whitney, and forces from the 22 nations that comprise the Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy.
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.
Baretela has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy came when eight of my sailors earned their Fleet Marine Force (FMF) pin, and when two of my sailors got meritoriously promoted,” Baretela said. “Being able to achieve my personal goals and accomplishments has been amazing, but I learned that seeing people I have personally trained succeed is a far better feeling. It is also the reason why I will continue to serve.”
Baretela 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 fighting for those back home,” Baretela said. “It is also guiding young men and women to become the best versions of themselves, including myself.”