MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Master Chief Petty Officer Amaury Ponciano, a native of Union City, New Jersey, serves at U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. TENTH Fleet (FCC/C10F) located at Fort George Meade, Maryland.
Ponciano, a 1999 graduate of Emerson High School, joined the Navy 24 years ago.
"I wanted to travel and get the money for college," said Ponciano. "I come from a poor family, and I wanted to get a degree while seeing the world and learning a skill."
Today, Ponciano serves as an information systems technician and Warrior Toughness instructor and coordinator teaching sailors about resiliency.
"What I enjoy most about my job is that I love helping sailors reach their true potential as a person and as a sailor," added Ponciano. "Plus, the Navy allows me to travel to many locations to work with our sailors and see all the amazing things they do daily."
"What I enjoy most about my job is that I love helping sailors reach their true potential as a person and as a sailor," added Ponciano. "Plus, the Navy allows me to travel to many locations to work with our sailors and see all the amazing things they do daily."
Warrior Toughness (WT) is a holistic human performance skill set that enhances the toughness of sailors with a focus on the pursuit of peak performance. The system emphasizes the coequal development of toughness in the mind, body, and soul. WT combines performance psychology skills with character development and teaches the Warrior Mindset, building lethal warfighters ready for the next mission.
Ponciano relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Union City to succeed in the military.
"I learned to work hard, try my best and take pride in everything I do," said Ponciano. "My community in Union City is very diverse and full of hard-working people that only want to prosper the correct way."
These lessons have helped Ponciano while serving in the Navy.
FCC and its operational arm at C10F are responsible for maintaining warfighting superiority by projecting power in and through cyberspace, protecting information networks, and leveraging electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities.
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.
These lessons have helped Ponciano while serving in the Navy.
FCC and its operational arm at C10F are responsible for maintaining warfighting superiority by projecting power in and through cyberspace, protecting information networks, and leveraging electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities.
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 Ponciano 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.
"We contribute by guarding the free waters of the world, ensuring free trade and stability around the world," said Ponciano.
Ponciano and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"I am very proud to see so many sailors that I have worked with get promoted and accomplish amazing things," said Ponciano. "On a personal level, I am very proud of making Master Chief while also obtaining two master's degrees."
As Ponciano 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 gave myself and my children an opportunity to succeed," said Ponciano. "It means that each day, I contribute to the defense of this great nation."
Ponciano has two children, Belen (21) and Adrian (9).
"'My why" are my kids and leaving a legacy that my mother and children can be proud of," added Ponciano.
Ponciano's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five) and various campaigns and unit awards.
He places a great deal of value on education as evidenced by earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Systems Security from the University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, Maryland, in 2018, a Master of Science in Information Technology from Grantham University in March 2021 and a Master of Science in Applied Cyber Operations from Naval Postgraduate School in March 2022.
Ponciano's hobbies include traveling, watching soccer matches in person and trying delicious food.
Ponciano's hobbies include traveling, watching soccer matches in person and trying delicious food.
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