By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Peoria, Arizona, native is serving with Strike Group Oceanography Team supporting Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022 in the Arctic Ocean.
Serving in the Navy means Castagnaro 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.
"As an aerographer's mate we provide weather forecasts in a tactical setting that could be used to our advantage," said Castagnaro.
There are many opportunities for sailors to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"My proudest moment in the Navy was after I finished my first deployment on the Eisenhower and receiving the end of deployment award from the admiral of the ship," said Castagnaro.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Castagnaro, as well as other sailors, know they are 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 for generations of sailors who will follow.
"Serving in the Navy means a chance to better myself and earn some new skills that I can apply to the civilian sector someday," added Castagnaro.
ICEX 2022 is a three-week exercise designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Castagnaro joined the Navy more than five years ago for the opportunities the military provides.
"I joined the Navy in order to set myself up for a career and also be able to support both me and my spouse financially," said Castagnaro.
Castagnaro, a 2006 Aviano High School graduate, has taken the skills learned from education and those learned in Peoria to become the sailor they are today.
"Growing up in my hometown I learned strong work ethics and leadership skills through teamwork," said Castagnaro.
Castagnaro serves as an aerographer's mates.
"My favorite part about being an aerographer's mate is knowing how weather works and having that ability to teach my family what is going on in their state," said Castagnaro.
According to Navy officials, U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel are participating in the exercise alongside personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy.
During the exercise, personnel will conduct research and operations in the Arctic Region. A temporary ice camp named Ice Camp Queenfish is being established which consists of shelters, a command center, and infrastructure to safely house and support more than 60 personnel at any one time.
“The Arctic region can be unforgiving and challenging like no other place on Earth,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander of the Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Development Center in Groton, Connecticut, and the ranking officer of ICEX 2022. “It’s also changing and becoming more active with maritime activity. ICEX 2022 provides the Navy an opportunity to increase capability and readiness in this unique environment, and to continue establishing best practices we can share with partners and allies who share the U.S.’s goal of a free and peaceful Arctic.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Castagnaro joined the Navy more than five years ago for the opportunities the military provides.
"I joined the Navy in order to set myself up for a career and also be able to support both me and my spouse financially," said Castagnaro.
Castagnaro, a 2006 Aviano High School graduate, has taken the skills learned from education and those learned in Peoria to become the sailor they are today.
"Growing up in my hometown I learned strong work ethics and leadership skills through teamwork," said Castagnaro.
Castagnaro serves as an aerographer's mates.
"My favorite part about being an aerographer's mate is knowing how weather works and having that ability to teach my family what is going on in their state," said Castagnaro.
According to Navy officials, U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel are participating in the exercise alongside personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy.
During the exercise, personnel will conduct research and operations in the Arctic Region. A temporary ice camp named Ice Camp Queenfish is being established which consists of shelters, a command center, and infrastructure to safely house and support more than 60 personnel at any one time.
“The Arctic region can be unforgiving and challenging like no other place on Earth,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander of the Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Development Center in Groton, Connecticut, and the ranking officer of ICEX 2022. “It’s also changing and becoming more active with maritime activity. ICEX 2022 provides the Navy an opportunity to increase capability and readiness in this unique environment, and to continue establishing best practices we can share with partners and allies who share the U.S.’s goal of a free and peaceful Arctic.”
Serving in the Navy means Castagnaro 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.
"As an aerographer's mate we provide weather forecasts in a tactical setting that could be used to our advantage," said Castagnaro.
There are many opportunities for sailors to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"My proudest moment in the Navy was after I finished my first deployment on the Eisenhower and receiving the end of deployment award from the admiral of the ship," said Castagnaro.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Castagnaro, as well as other sailors, know they are 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 for generations of sailors who will follow.
"Serving in the Navy means a chance to better myself and earn some new skills that I can apply to the civilian sector someday," added Castagnaro.