NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Fatima Mandujano, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Mandujano joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Mandujano serves as an engineman aboard USS Mesa Verde.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn't sure what I wanted to study in college, but I knew I wanted to be some kind of engineer,” said Mandujano. "The Navy provided me with that opportunity."
Growing up in Fort Worth, Mandujano attended R. L. Pascal High School and graduated in 2018.
Skills and values similar to those found in Fort Worth are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“My sister taught me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it,” said Mandujano. "That attitude has helped me get through tough times and succeed in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Mandujano while serving aboard USS Mesa Verde.
USS Mesa Verde is an amphibious transport dock. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Mandujano is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy provides land, sea and air defense and projects power all over the world,” said Mandujano.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Mandujano and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I've proven to myself that I can rely on myself, get through anything and do a good job,” said Mandujano. "If I wasn't in the Navy, I'd be relying on family members and in my comfort zone. Serving has helped me get out of that comfort zone."
As Mandujano and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I can gain experience as a leader, mentor and set a positive example for others,” said Mandujano.
Mandujano is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank one of the chiefs at my first command, William Baldwin,” added Mandujano. "He taught me to be true to myself and what I stand for, even in tough situations. He taught me to hold my head high and lead others how I would want to be led."
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Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terah Bryant, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Mandujano joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Mandujano serves as an engineman aboard USS Mesa Verde.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn't sure what I wanted to study in college, but I knew I wanted to be some kind of engineer,” said Mandujano. "The Navy provided me with that opportunity."
Growing up in Fort Worth, Mandujano attended R. L. Pascal High School and graduated in 2018.
Skills and values similar to those found in Fort Worth are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“My sister taught me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it,” said Mandujano. "That attitude has helped me get through tough times and succeed in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Mandujano while serving aboard USS Mesa Verde.
USS Mesa Verde is an amphibious transport dock. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Mandujano is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy provides land, sea and air defense and projects power all over the world,” said Mandujano.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Mandujano and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I've proven to myself that I can rely on myself, get through anything and do a good job,” said Mandujano. "If I wasn't in the Navy, I'd be relying on family members and in my comfort zone. Serving has helped me get out of that comfort zone."
As Mandujano and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I can gain experience as a leader, mentor and set a positive example for others,” said Mandujano.
Mandujano is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank one of the chiefs at my first command, William Baldwin,” added Mandujano. "He taught me to be true to myself and what I stand for, even in tough situations. He taught me to hold my head high and lead others how I would want to be led."