OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Lt. j.g. Nick Randazzo, a native of Manorville, New York, joined the Navy to continue a legacy of military service in his family.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Emilia Hilliard |
“Life is busy, but there is an excellent desire to excel, both personally and with making sure the squadron, and all personnel in it, are successful,” said Randazzo.
Randazzo, a 2010 graduate of Eastport South Manor Junior/Senior High School, with VP-47, a high-tech maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron tasked with monitoring the world’s oceans in the state-of-the-art P-8A “Poseidon.”
Randazzo is also a 2014 graduate of Suny Albany with a degree in criminal justice.
“I’m responsible for flying the P-8 aircraft,” said Randazzo.
Randazzo credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons he learned in Manorville.
“My town was small, so everyone knows everyone, so you always be the hardest worker,” said Randazzo. "Too many talented people wasted away without the drive to keep moving forward."
VP-47's primary mission is to conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance as well as long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence gathering missions. They deploy around the world to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
The P-8A Poseidon, the Navy’s newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, is a replacement aircraft for the legacy P-3C “Orion”. According to Navy officials, leveraging the experience and technology of the successful P-3C “Orion” with the needs of the fleet, the P-8A is designed to be combat-capable, and to improve an operator’s ability to efficiently conduct anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
As the Navy transitions to the full capacity with the P-8A “Poseidon”, the aircraft continues the work- horse tradition established by the P-3C “Orion”. The P-8A has a planned state-of-the-art open architecture mission system and next-generation sensors. These capabilities give warfighters added protection. The aircraft empowers the fleet with more combat capability, responsiveness, and interoperability with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. The P-8A “Poseidon” has significant growth potential, with planned, phased-in technological improvements that extend global reach, payload capacity and higher-operating altitude.
“The P-8A has such a wide ranging and complex mission set, and the positive impact we have can be seen both during and after flight,” said Randazzo.
Serving in the Navy means Randazzo is part of a 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.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, 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.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Randazzo is most proud of earning his flight wings.
“It took months of studying and hard work, and recognizing that there were no off days,” said Randazzo. "If I was not scheduled, I was doing everything I can to practice my craft."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Randazzo and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance,” said Randazzo. "It is a true testament to the infinite strength of the human spirit."