WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Laredo, Texas, 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 Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Oliver Serna attended Harmony School of Excellence and graduated in 2018. Today, Serna uses skills and values similar to those learned in Laredo.
“In Laredo, family is important, and in the Navy we treat everyone like family,” said Serna.
This continues to help Serna while serving in the military.
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.
Serving in the Navy means Serna 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 deters conflict through our presence around the world,” said Serna. "It's important that we show others around the world that we're here to help."
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.
Serna and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of the job I get to do in the Navy,” said Serna. "Reaching out to people letting them know what their sailors are doing is very rewarding."
As Serna and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is a proud tradition,” added Serna. "We have responsibilities that help us make something of ourselves, regardless of our background."