JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Sibiga, a native of Bridgewater, New Jersey, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Sibiga graduated from Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bridgewater.
“Even if no one sees the work you do, you do it anyway with the highest quality, because pride is personal,” Sibiga said.
Sibiga joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Sibiga serves as an aviation electrician's mate .
“I joined the Navy for personal growth and discipline,” Sibiga said. "I was drawn to the challenge and structure the Navy provides for building character, leadership and resilience.
Members of VP-26 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
“The hard work and dedication of our sailors have been the driving force behind our squadron’s success, enabling us to remain mission-effective and ready at all times,” said VP-26 commanding officer, Cmdr. Taylor Barros. “Their relentless commitment has shaped a forward-leaning team that consistently meets challenges head-on and excels in every operational environment.”
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.
Sibiga has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is my advancement to first class petty officer,” Sibiga said. "The ability to lead and mentor others, and the ability to provide more for my family, means everything to me."
Sibiga serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving means statility and pride,” Sibiga said. "There's a great amount of pride in watching an aircraft full of fellow servicemembers take off after you have fixed what was preventing it from flying."
Sibiga is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Rachel, my sons, Elijah and Gabriel, and my daughters, Avery and Ramona,” Sibiga said. "I also want to thank my parents, Joseph and Dana-Marie. The love and support they have provided me make it all possible.