JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Mayoral, a native of St. Augustine, Florida, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 45 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 |
Mayoral, a 2009 graduate of St. Augustine High School, joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I joined the Navy to be part of a team again,” said Mayoral. "I played football in college and I missed the closeness and diversity that comes with being part of a team.”
Today, Mayoral relies upon skills and values similar to those found in St. Augustine to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I developed a strong drive to do better,” said Mayoral. "I never give up and keep pushing to better myself."
These lessons have helped Mayoral while serving in the Navy.
VP 45 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 Mayoral 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.
“National defense starts with the Navy,” said Mayoral. "We have an image of what freedom looks like. When you go on deployment and see other countries you have gain a better appreciation for what you have.”
Mayoral and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being selected to become an officer,” said Mayoral. "This is something I've wanted to do since I joined the Navy and to be selected is fulfilling."
As Mayoral 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 is something I have a lot of pride in,” said Mayoral. "I want to see the Navy do well. I want to be a positive influence and see the Navy succeed."
Mayoral is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my spouse, Denise Mayoral, she has been the backbone of the family,” added Mayoral. "I couldn’t do it without her support."