JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Regina Amgren, a native of Grand Prairie, Texas, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 8 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, |
Amgren, a 2017 graduate of Lake Ridge High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and for the college opportunities,” said Amgren.
Today, Amgren relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Grand Prairie to succeed in the military.
“My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and respect for leadership,” said Amgren. "I also worked two jobs prior to joining the Navy and this allowed me different experiences to work with well with others.”
These lessons have helped Amgren while serving in the Navy.
VP 8 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
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."
Serving in the Navy means Amgren is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The U.S. Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Amgren.
Amgren and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making the rank of petty officer third class,” said Amgren. “I was undesignated when I joined, so I worked hard to pick a rate that best suited me.”
As Amgren 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 gave me a stepping stone into being an adult that allowed me to find a job that I am dedicated to,” said Amgren.
Amgren is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Martin and Ida, for their love and support throughout the years,” said Amgren.
“I am currently a student doing online classes at the University of Maryland University Global Campus to earn my degree in business administration,” added Amgren.