OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Aviators in the U.S. Navy fly some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft in modern history. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air are the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
 |
| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Sergio Gomez serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Gomez’s father, German Gomez, lives in Bellflower, California.
Gomez graduated from La Quinta High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bellflower.
“Advice that has stuck with me from my family is to keep a positive outlook on things, especially during hard times,” said Gomez. “Staying mentally strong has helped me in the Navy. When negative things happen or when I have a lot of work, staying positive gets me through it.”
Gomez joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Gomez serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for more opportunities, to gain useful skills and to have a stable job,” said Gomez.
FRCNW is the premier intermediate maintenance activity of the Pacific Northwest. With more than 1,000 sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, FRCNW provides intermediate and more sophisticated depot-level repair of more than 12,500 different aviation components. Repair services are provided for jet engines, airframes, avionics, armament, aviation life support systems, ejection seats and more than 2,300 pieces of support equipment directly supporting 22 local and deployed squadrons, 10 aircraft carriers, three overseas operational sites and numerous Pacific Northwest Regional commands and activities.
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.
Gomez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Gomez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of working and earning my way up into positions where I can make the Navy better for other sailors,” said Gomez.
Gomez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the Navy means performing my job well and doing my part, albeit small, to keep the Navy running well,” said Gomez.
Gomez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, German, because growing up he always told me stories about his time in the Army,” added Gomez. “His stories inspired my fascination with the military. I chose the Navy because I loved the movie ‘Pearl Harbor.