PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2007 Roselle Catholic High School graduate and Elizabeth, New Jersey, native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Petty Officer 3rd Class George Garces works as a ship's serviceman and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.A Navy ship’s serviceman is responsible for managing and operating all shipboard retail and service activities such as the barber shop or laundry.
Garces says that he learned a lot from his hometown that has made him successful in the Navy.
“I learned to work hard, which helps me do better at my job in the Navy while improving my job skills and being a leader in my rate,” said Garces.
NAS Pensacola, “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” is best known as the initial primary training base for all U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers pursuing designations as Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers.
It takes a lot of manpower to support and train pilots, but there is much more to this base that employs 16,000 military and 7,400 civilians. This includes major tenant commands: Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and 23, the Blue Angels, and the headquarters for Naval Education Training Command (NETC), a command which combines direction and control of all Navy education and training.
As the premier naval installation in the Department of the Navy (DoN) NAS Pensacola provides base and operational support functions such as quality of life, administration, logistics, facilities, comptroller, management administration and operations (airfield, port, security, fire and search and rescue).
“I’m so proud of the entire team throughout our aviation enterprise,” said Capt. Christopher T. Martin, Commander Naval Air Station Pensacola. “The future of NAS Pensacola is bright, and we’re only going to continue to adapt and evolve as we prepare to efficiently deliver the very best readiness from the shore.”
“As sailors forged by the sea, we will continue to be the Navy the Nation Needs. One of the Chief of Naval Operation’s Lines of Effort is what we do best, strengthening our Navy team for the future,” said Martin.
Garces has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My dad's cousin and my cousin have served in the military," said Garces. "After high school I talked to my dad's cousin and he encouraged me to join. He was a hospital corpsman in the Navy for 20 years.”
Garces is also proud of advancing to third class because he made it with only a one percent advancement rate for his job during the cycle.
Pensacola stands up to the expectations and provides a perfect environment for the workers and their families. The citizens benefit from all the modern world advantages, from schools and hospitals to recreational areas, theaters, cinemas and multiple services.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Garces and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means honor because you are honoring all of those who have gone before," Garces added. "I am serving the U.S. and I am very proud of that.”