SEATTLE - Fireman Saul Axel Banda-Donato, a native of Holtville, California, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.
Banda-Donato graduated from Holtville High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Holtville.
“Growing up back at home, I worked for a lot of people doing small jobs,” said Banda-Donato. “Lots of the people I worked with shared a lot of wise words that I’ve put into practice during my time in the Navy.”
Banda-Donato joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Banda-Donato serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy looking for opportunities other than going to college,” said Banda-Donato. “I was looking to make the most of the resources available in the military.”
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 Barry. 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.
“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.”
Banda-Donato has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud to be a rated machinist’s mate, meaning that I’ve completed the initial training to serve in this job,” said Banda-Donato.
Banda-Donato serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I’m proud to serve my country in this way,” said Banda-Donato. “Everyone has an opportunity to serve in their own way, and I’m glad that this is the way I chose to contribute to this nation.”
Banda-Donato is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my Aunt Katelyn and my Uncle Manuel for all that they’ve done, taking me in and showing me what a man should be,” added Banda-Donato. “They shaped me into the person I am today.”
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| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
Banda-Donato graduated from Holtville High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Holtville.
“Growing up back at home, I worked for a lot of people doing small jobs,” said Banda-Donato. “Lots of the people I worked with shared a lot of wise words that I’ve put into practice during my time in the Navy.”
Banda-Donato joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Banda-Donato serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy looking for opportunities other than going to college,” said Banda-Donato. “I was looking to make the most of the resources available in the military.”
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 Barry. 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.
“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.”
Banda-Donato has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud to be a rated machinist’s mate, meaning that I’ve completed the initial training to serve in this job,” said Banda-Donato.
Banda-Donato serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I’m proud to serve my country in this way,” said Banda-Donato. “Everyone has an opportunity to serve in their own way, and I’m glad that this is the way I chose to contribute to this nation.”
Banda-Donato is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my Aunt Katelyn and my Uncle Manuel for all that they’ve done, taking me in and showing me what a man should be,” added Banda-Donato. “They shaped me into the person I am today.”