By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of the Philippines with hometown ties to Redwood City, California, is serving as a Navy Talent Scout with Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Golden Gate located in Mountain View, California.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Marpuri, a 2005 Philippines High School graduate, joined the Navy six years ago.
"I joined "The World's Finest Navy" so I can explore the world, provide for my family and give my children a better future," said Marpuri.
Today, Marpuri serves as an electrician's mate and Navy Talent Scout.
An electrician's mate is responsible for operating a ship's electrical equipment. A Navy Talent Scout uses various recruiting methods to identify qualified applicants, create interest in joining the Navy, set appointments with qualified applicants who are interested in joining the Navy and transition qualified and ready applicants to assessing for processing
"My favorite part about being an electrician's mate is troubleshooting various equipment to complete the mission," said Marpuri. "My favorite part about being a Navy Talent Scout is changing peoples' lives for the better. I assist in giving them the opportunities and benefits the Navy can offer for themselves and their dependents. I am also serving as the Assistant Command Fitness Leader for my divison."
According to Marpuri, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in both the Philippines and Redwood City.
"Growing up in a traditional Filipino household, I was raised to be respectful, hard-working and be kind to everyone," said Marpuri. "Those traits have been instrumental in helping me succeed in the Navy."
According to Navy officials, NTAG Golden Gate's mission is to leverage an inspirational culture that informs, attracts, influences and hires the highest quality candidates from America's diverse talent pool. This goal ensures the success of America's Navy and establishes the foundation for sailors to thrive in a life-changing experience.
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.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Serving in the Navy means Marpuri 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 contributes to National Defense by showing force globally and making sure we have freedom of navigation around the world," said Marpuri. "We also help our allies feel safe and keeps our adversaries in check."
Marpuri and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"I am most proud of helping sailors, other service members, and even civilians achieve their goals both professionally and personally," said Marpuri.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Marpuri, 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.
"Serving in the Navy means everything to me," added Marpuri. "I make my family proud, especially my wife and kids. It gives me a chance to better myself as a person while protecting the ones I love."
Marpuri is currently 18 college credits away from obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management at Grand Canyon University.
Additionally, he is currently working on getting a Counselor (Professional & Kindred) apprenticeship via United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS).