WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Bakersfield, California, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with U.S. Naval District Washington.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Civilian Carrie Mast is a 1989 graduate of East Bakersfield High School and a 1995 graduate of Bakersfield Community College.
A nine-year civilian Navy employee, Mast uses many lessons she has learned over that time to perform her duties as Work and Family Life coordinator for Fleet and Family Support Programs.
“Being part of the Navy community as long as I have has helped me better understand other cultures and other peoples' backgrounds,” said Mast. “Understanding where people come from and their backgrounds helps me to better help them.”
With the nation’s capital at its heart, the region encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, including the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince Georges, St. Mary’s, The City of Baltimore and Bloodsworth Island; and Virginia counties of Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Fauquier, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.
Naval District Washington is the regional provider of common operating support to naval installations within a 100-mile radius of the Pentagon. Services provided include public affairs, public works, public safety, community support, human resources, information technology, morale, welfare and recreation, supply, air and port operations, ceremonial support and environmental and safety.
Working with the Navy means Mast is part of a team 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.
“The Navy is extremely important to strategic deterrence, ensuring our safety as sea and ashore,” said Mast.
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.
Mast is proud of what she has accomplished in her career and of how she has been able to help make Navy families and the Navy community at large stronger.
“I'm proud of the contributions I've made to the Navy's ombudsman program,” said Mast. “I've trained hundreds of ombudsmen, command leadership spouses, and Fleet and Family Support staff. I've taught people in Rota, Spain, and Japan and really all over the world through our virtual programs.”
A military spouse of 25 years, Mast also recognizes the value of her service to the Navy as a civilian employee.
“This is about being a part of something bigger than myself and being able to contribute to the Navy mission by ensuring families have what they need,” said Mast. “I never wore the uniform but this is my way of serving.”