SEATTLE - Petty Officer 1st Class Yngrid Castaneda, a native of Miami, Florida, 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.
Castaneda graduated from Dr. Michael Krop High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication and an optimistic attitude,” said Castaneda. “My parents taught me to remember my main goal in life.”
Castaneda joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Castaneda serves as a gas turbine systems technician (electrical).
“I tried college but wasn’t sure it was the right path for me,” said Castaneda. “My mom suggested that I join the military.”
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| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
Castaneda graduated from Dr. Michael Krop High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication and an optimistic attitude,” said Castaneda. “My parents taught me to remember my main goal in life.”
Castaneda joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Castaneda serves as a gas turbine systems technician (electrical).
“I tried college but wasn’t sure it was the right path for me,” said Castaneda. “My mom suggested that I join 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.”
Castaneda has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was named Sailor of the Year in 2019 at Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four, which was my first command,” said Castaneda.
Castaneda 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 has helped me grow as an individual and allows me to be part of something bigger to help my community and country,” said Castaneda.
Castaneda is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, dad and sister for always being there for me,” added Castaneda.