Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — A Trinidad & Tobago born, San Diego sailor and 2016 San Diego State University graduate was named as the U.S. Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. and meritoriously advanced to the rank of chief petty officer, May 16.
Chief Petty Officer Angelita Baggoo, a Navy personnel specialist assigned to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Norfolk, Virginia, is one of four honorees who visited Washington, D.C., May 14-17, for the SOY Recognition Week, hosted by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith.
Each year, every Navy command around the world chooses its SOY based on leadership, professionalism, dedication and superior performance. These selectees compete against recipients from other commands, eventually competing at higher echelons until the Navy's four finest are chosen as the U.S. Naval Reserve, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy Shore and U.S. Fleet Forces Sailors of the Year.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and MCPON John Whittet initiated the SOY program in 1972 to recognize outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet sailors. Navy Reserve and Shore SOY programs were later introduced.
During the ceremony, Smith gave the Sailors of the Year some advice to keep in mind as they continue their careers as chief petty officers.
"Everyone who has ever written a letter for you, made a phone call for you, sat down and gave you advice, took time out of their day – making their day longer – to help you get to this point in your career is the reason you’re standing here," said Smith. "Your special obligation for the rest of your career and the remainder of the time you wear those anchors is to earn this."
Throughout the week these four sailors and their families had the opportunity to tour Mount Vernon, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Museums, among many other leadership, naval heritage, and team-building events.
“My most memorable moment during the week was the NEXCOM uniform fitting with my peer SOYs. Being able to witness the expression on each person's face as we individually try on our khakis was a surreal and very proud moment,” said Baggoo. “The most poignant piece of advice I took away from interacting with MCPON was to continue to lead with honor and humility. Encourage growth at every level and continue to challenge sailors for success."
Chief Petty Officer Baggoo is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, in June 2000 where she attended Boys & Girls High School, graduating in 2004. In 2007, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the National Call to Service program. After completing Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, she attended personnel specialist ‘A’ School in Meridian, Mississippi. Following her graduation, Baggoo reported to Personnel Support Detachment Afloat West as a receipt and transfer clerk where she was selected as the 2008 Blue Jacket of the Quarter.
In 2008, Baggoo transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve and was assigned to the Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, Detachment Delta, where she advanced to petty officer third class. In 2010, she volunteered for mobilization under Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed with the Navy Military Police Battalion to Bagram, Afghanistan, where she served as a pay clerk.
In May 2012, Baggoo reported to Navy Mobilization Processing Site Gulfport as the travel claims authorizing official. During the mobilization, she conducted weekly travel briefs and reviewed and submitted travel claims for processing. Her performance earned her the selection as Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport Junior Sailor of the Quarter, 1st Quarter. Upon demobilization, she returned to drill status with Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, Detachment Delta where she advanced to petty officer first class.
In 2018, Baggoo reported to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, Norfolk, Virginia, and currently serves as the operations, travel and ISOPREP leading petty officer.
Baggoo completed a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Spanish from San Diego State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.6 and is currently pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Management at Colorado State University.
Over her career, Chief Baggoo has been awarded two Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals and one Army Commendation Medal. Baggoo added she is very happily married to Philip DeBerry and resides in San Diego.
“Growing up in my home country of Trinidad & Tobago, the most invaluable traits I have learned are hard work, peership, and sacrifice,” said Baggoo. “Serving in the Navy has meant a lot to me because I am the first in my family to join the Navy. The Navy has allowed me the ability to attain an education, see the world, serve to create a better future for my kids, and create a better life today for my family.”
“Being chief petty officer means that I get to increase my network of knowledge, and opens new doors for which I can continue to help mentor sailors growth and instill in them the motivation to lead and learn,” said Baggoo. “Now that I have been promoted to chief petty officer, I hope to continue learning, growing, mentoring and giving back to the development of a healthy Navy, their families and communities.”
In 2008, Baggoo transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve and was assigned to the Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, Detachment Delta, where she advanced to petty officer third class. In 2010, she volunteered for mobilization under Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed with the Navy Military Police Battalion to Bagram, Afghanistan, where she served as a pay clerk.
In May 2012, Baggoo reported to Navy Mobilization Processing Site Gulfport as the travel claims authorizing official. During the mobilization, she conducted weekly travel briefs and reviewed and submitted travel claims for processing. Her performance earned her the selection as Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport Junior Sailor of the Quarter, 1st Quarter. Upon demobilization, she returned to drill status with Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, Detachment Delta where she advanced to petty officer first class.
In 2018, Baggoo reported to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, Norfolk, Virginia, and currently serves as the operations, travel and ISOPREP leading petty officer.
Baggoo completed a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Spanish from San Diego State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.6 and is currently pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Management at Colorado State University.
Over her career, Chief Baggoo has been awarded two Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals and one Army Commendation Medal. Baggoo added she is very happily married to Philip DeBerry and resides in San Diego.
“Growing up in my home country of Trinidad & Tobago, the most invaluable traits I have learned are hard work, peership, and sacrifice,” said Baggoo. “Serving in the Navy has meant a lot to me because I am the first in my family to join the Navy. The Navy has allowed me the ability to attain an education, see the world, serve to create a better future for my kids, and create a better life today for my family.”
“Being chief petty officer means that I get to increase my network of knowledge, and opens new doors for which I can continue to help mentor sailors growth and instill in them the motivation to lead and learn,” said Baggoo. “Now that I have been promoted to chief petty officer, I hope to continue learning, growing, mentoring and giving back to the development of a healthy Navy, their families and communities.”