OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Airman Geraldy Arriaga-Gamez, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Arriaga-Gamez graduated from Memphis Business Academy High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Memphis.
“Growing up in my hometown, a lesson I learned that has stayed with me was to keep working for what you want to accomplish even when you have so many obstacles in front of you,” said Arriaga-Gamez.
Arriaga-Gamez joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Arriaga-Gamez serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a challenge,” said Arriaga-Gamez. “The Navy also provides a great path to help me for my future.”
Members of VP-9 fly and maintain 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 train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
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.”
Arriaga-Gamez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far in the Navy is getting this far already,” said Arriaga-Gamez. “I would never have believed that I would be here just over a year ago.”
Arriaga-Gamez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy to me means trying to be a better person every day,” said Arriaga-Gamez. “There’s a calling that we serve higher than ourselves.”
Arriaga-Gamez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my dad, Jose Arriaga,” added Arriaga-Gamez. “I appreciate that he never gave up in spite of the obstacles we faced while we were growing up. Even though he may not be aware of it, his never giving up is what pushed me to strive for more in my own life. It’s what kept me going and motivated me to continue this journey.”
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Arriaga-Gamez graduated from Memphis Business Academy High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Memphis.
“Growing up in my hometown, a lesson I learned that has stayed with me was to keep working for what you want to accomplish even when you have so many obstacles in front of you,” said Arriaga-Gamez.
Arriaga-Gamez joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Arriaga-Gamez serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a challenge,” said Arriaga-Gamez. “The Navy also provides a great path to help me for my future.”
Members of VP-9 fly and maintain 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 train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
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.”
Arriaga-Gamez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far in the Navy is getting this far already,” said Arriaga-Gamez. “I would never have believed that I would be here just over a year ago.”
Arriaga-Gamez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy to me means trying to be a better person every day,” said Arriaga-Gamez. “There’s a calling that we serve higher than ourselves.”
Arriaga-Gamez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my dad, Jose Arriaga,” added Arriaga-Gamez. “I appreciate that he never gave up in spite of the obstacles we faced while we were growing up. Even though he may not be aware of it, his never giving up is what pushed me to strive for more in my own life. It’s what kept me going and motivated me to continue this journey.”