By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty K. Pang, Navy Office of Community Outreach
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. GluntPEARL HARBOR –An Arlington, Texas, native and 1994 Tambach Boys High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
As a Navy comptroller, Nyangena is responsible for managing the finances for the command, which helps ensure that the sailors are medically ready for the fleet.
Nyangena credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Arlington.
“If you work hard, be honest and truthful, and take care of people, everything else will fall into place,” said Nyangena.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Nyangena is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies. The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Nyangena is most proud of an experience as an hospital corpsman in 2002.
"We were performing color guard services for a funeral and heard a loud bang," said Nyagena. "There was a car accident nearby, so we jumped in to stop the bleeding for one of the passengers in the car. He was the driver and went into shock. We worked hard to stablize him until emergency medical services arrived. I am the most proud of this because I was able to help keep him alive.”
Serving in the Navy is not a continuing tradition of military service for Nyangena. He is the first to pierce the veil.
“My family have seen my commitment as a form of service," said Nyagena. "They've begun conversations with their children about joining the military. I feel happy about this because this small influence may inspire others to follow.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nyangena 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 is a humbling experience," said Nyagena. "It's about doing things greater than yourself and serving others. Above all, it's being open to learn. Joining the Navy was all new. The food, camaraderie, and different cultures was a shock to me. But, I now live in the greatest country on the planet and am thankful for all the opportunities I have been given.”