OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake Stoffel, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Stoffel graduated from Norwin High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pittsburgh.
“A lesson that I carry with me is that dreams don’t have to be dreams,” said Stoffel. “It’s cliché but it’s true that you can do anything you put your mind to, both professionally and personally. It pushes me and has helped me achieve things faster than I normally would have. It’s the same outside the Navy too. Having that mindset helps me not settle for less.”
Stoffel joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Stoffel serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy to travel and expand my worldview,” said Stoffel. “I heard the Navy traveled the most. I’ve been to Portugal, Italy and Iceland. Portugal was my favorite.”
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.”
Stoffel has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of being able to give back,” said Stoffel. “I was taught by some fantastic leaders and being able to go full circle to pass what I’ve learned to the next generation is a good feeling.”
Stoffel serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy means a new life,” said Stoffel. “The Navy has given me the opportunities and experiences to reinvent myself. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.”
Stoffel is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom, Brandi, is where it all started,” added Stoffel. “I want to thank her for her support from afar. She sends cookies a lot for our shop when we’re deployed. She’s become the shop mom.”