YOKOSUKA, JAPAN. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Raniel Testa, a native of Bayport, Minnesota, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bayport.
“I learned that you have to focus on your priorities,” said Testa. "This has been especially helpful in the Navy where nine times out of 10 you get handed more than you can chew."
Testa joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Testa serves as a machinist's mate.
“During college, everything was being done from home, including college,” said Testa. "Online colleges were not appealing to me. When they told me I could travel to Japan, which was heavily restricted at the time, it sold me."
USS Rafael Peralta, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Rafael Peralta Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Testa serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Testa has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest achievement is earning the rank of petty officer second class within two years,” said Testa.
Testa can take pride in serving America through military service.
“The Navy is a great experience that not many people get to have,” said Testa.
Testa is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all my friends and all the people I met in boot camp, A-school, and here in the fleet,” added Testa. "They make being in the Navy way better."
USS Rafael Peralta, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Rafael Peralta Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Testa serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Testa has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest achievement is earning the rank of petty officer second class within two years,” said Testa.
Testa can take pride in serving America through military service.
“The Navy is a great experience that not many people get to have,” said Testa.
Testa is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all my friends and all the people I met in boot camp, A-school, and here in the fleet,” added Testa. "They make being in the Navy way better."