MILLINGTON, Tenn. - An Arcata, California, native is serving as a Navy Talent Scout assigned to Naval Recruiter Station San Leandro, a part of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Golden Gate located in Mountain View, California.
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Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Bayer, a 2008 graduate of Arcata High School, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I joined the Navy to forge my own path and to lay the foundations for a successful life for my family," said Bayer.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Arcata.
“I grew up in a small town and upon graduation, I moved to the Bay Area," said Bayer. “I'd say my hometown instilled humility and appreciation of the world. I understood at an early age there was so much more to the world than the town in which I was born and raised. I've always yearned for adventure and the Navy has provided just that.”
Today, Bayer currently serves as a Navy talent scout and an electrician technician (navigation).
A Navy Talent Scout uses various recruiting methods to identify qualified applicants and create interest in joining the Navy.
“Currently, as a Navy Talent Scout or recruiter, I enjoy being a part of the local community and mentoring young adults as they take the first steps into their Navy careers," said Bayer. “In my previous position aboard the USS Louisville, a Los Angeles Class Submarine. I enjoyed the tight-knit camaraderie of the crew.”
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 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.”
As a member of the Navy, Bayer 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 contributes to national defense by our presence,” said Bayer. “We rarely need to show our force, which I believe is good. Maintaining the peace is ideal, and being ready when called upon is paramount. There is no question of the Navy's supreme might.”
Bayer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“It's hard to pinpoint one particular accomplishment in my seven years of service that I am most proud of,” said Bayer. “From submarines to recruiting duty, the past seven years have been extremely challenging. But the challenges and overcoming them is what I find most rewarding. I've had tremendous support from leaders and mentors throughout the Navy, as well as my family. I'm proud of what I have accomplished, and looking forward to what the future brings. The obstacle is truly the way always,”
As Bayer and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“My service has been very important to me,” said Bayer. “I'm humbled that I've been able to serve in the U.S. Navy for the past seven years. I'm also honored that I've been able to give back as a recruiter and do my part to ensure the next generation of Navy Sailors are there to support the country.”