SAN DIEGO- Four years ago, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ikechukwu Agomuo joined the Navy because he wanted to travel, earn money for an education and look for job opportunities. Today, Agomuo is serving aboard USS Boxer, stationed in San Diego.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller |
Agomuo is a culinary specialist responsible for hotel management and food services for the crew of the ship.
“I enjoy training other sailors how to best complete our mission,” said Agomuo.
Agomuo immigrated to the U.S. in 2013 from Owerri, Nigeria and resides in San Diego.
According to Agomuo, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up in Nigeria, I learned the importance to make use of the opportunities and resources available,” said Agomuo. “This is true for my current home of San Diego as well as aboard my ship in the Navy.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Agomuo is most proud of earning his citizenship in 2016.
“Being a U.S. citizen means a lot to me,” said Agomuo. "I felt like I was on top of the world when I took my oath of allegiance to this country."
For Agomuo, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Agomuo hopes to continue.
“My cousin retired from the Navy,” said Agomuo. “Seeing my cousin's accomplishments in life influenced me to serve to carry on the tradition. This created a great bond in my family."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Agomuo, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Growing up in Africa and now being part of the U.S. Navy is a great honor,” said Agomuo. "The Navy helped me to achieve the goals I have in life, so being a part of the U.S. Navy means the world to me."
“I enjoy training other sailors how to best complete our mission,” said Agomuo.
Agomuo immigrated to the U.S. in 2013 from Owerri, Nigeria and resides in San Diego.
According to Agomuo, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up in Nigeria, I learned the importance to make use of the opportunities and resources available,” said Agomuo. “This is true for my current home of San Diego as well as aboard my ship in the Navy.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Agomuo is most proud of earning his citizenship in 2016.
“Being a U.S. citizen means a lot to me,” said Agomuo. "I felt like I was on top of the world when I took my oath of allegiance to this country."
For Agomuo, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Agomuo hopes to continue.
“My cousin retired from the Navy,” said Agomuo. “Seeing my cousin's accomplishments in life influenced me to serve to carry on the tradition. This created a great bond in my family."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Agomuo, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Growing up in Africa and now being part of the U.S. Navy is a great honor,” said Agomuo. "The Navy helped me to achieve the goals I have in life, so being a part of the U.S. Navy means the world to me."