SAN DIEGO - Seaman Christelle Abrego, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy with Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison |
Abrego graduated from James Madison High School in 2022.
Abrego joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Abrego serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Abrego. "I also come from a military family. However, all of my family members who served were men so I wanted to be the first female to join.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“One lesson I learned from San Antonio is Texas hospitality,” said Abrego. “I also learned to always treat one another with respect and kindness because it helps you work better as a team and build strong relationships with one another."
In support of the U.S. Navy Surgeon General, NMFP provides command and control of all subordinate Navy Medicine Readiness Training Commands (NMRTCs), Readiness Training Units (NMRTUs) and assigned operational platforms to ensure they are fully trained, properly manned and capably equipped to be forward deployable and ready to execute operational medicine responsibilities in support of warfighter requirements, 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.
Abrego serves a Navy that operates 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.”
Abrego has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy would have to be receiving Blue Jacket of the Quarter for my command,” said Abrego. "My leadership and family helped me, and I studied and worked hard to try to be the best sailor I could be each day. So, winning that was really rewarding because it showed that hard work pays off."
Abrego can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” said Abrego. "I do it for my family. I was very blessed to be born in the United States and now serve my country as well. Serving makes me appreciate the little things in life like understanding how important it is to have one another alongside you."
Abrego is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad, Raul Abrego, for believing in me and walking with me every step of my life and now throughout my Navy journey,” added Abrego. "He continues to motivate me each day and reminds me that hard work is always going to pay off. "