WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Paterson, New Jersey, 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 |
Navy civilian Vanessa Serrano-Aucella attended Mary Help of Christians Academy and graduated in 1991. Today, Serrano-Aucella uses skills and values similar to those learned in Paterson.
“Paterson is a small community with a lot of different cultures,” said Serrano-Aucella. "We all learned to get along and rely on each other."
These lessons continue to help Serrano-Aucella 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.
Working with the Navy means Serrano-Aucella 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 land, air and sea,” said Serrano-Aucella. "The history of the Navy and its strength is very impressive."
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.
Serrano-Aucella and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I run the women's empowerment group at the ceremonial guard,” said Serrano-Aucella. "This is one of the most rewarding things I do."
As Serrano-Aucella 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.“Working proudly for the military supporting their mission is very rewarding,” added Serrano-Aucella. "It's a blessing to work with the service members and their family members."