JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Airman Angel Sierra, a native of Trenton, 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 |
Sierra attended West Windsor Plainsboro North High School and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering through St. Johns River State College.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Trenton.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of time management and determination,” Sierra said. “Depending on our workload and what we have to do that day, you have to manage your time to get through the things you need to get done. Being determined means you have to be willing to do what you need to do to get things done. Some people do not have that.”
Sierra joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Sierra serves as an aviation electrician’s mate.
“At the time, I was working at Publix and going to college,” Sierra said. “I wanted a better life, so I joined the Navy. It was the first recruiter’s office I went to, and they really welcomed me in.”
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.
Sierra has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of getting my plane captain qualification,” Sierra said. “Getting that qualification takes a lot of time and effort. After you get it, you can go out and look at cool things like going on detachments.”
Sierra 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, to me, pushes me to become a better person and strive for better,” Sierra said.
Sierra is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my wife,” Sierra said. “They’ve pushed me to become a better person this entire time and always remind me to keep my head up.”