EVERETT, Wash. - Fireman Apprentice Angel Negrete, a native of Yuma, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Sampson at Naval Station Everett in the Pacific Northwest.
Negrete graduated from Kofa High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Yuma.
“Working odd jobs and in manual labor taught me about having a good work ethic, having pride in my work and how to handle tough situations,” said Negrete. “That’s given me the mindset to do my job, do my part and do it correctly. The main thing about handling tough situations is respecting others.”
Negrete joined the Navy seven months ago. Today, Negrete serves as a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something with honor,” said Negrete. “I wanted to make my own path and I wanted to travel. I’m the first in my family to serve in the military and the benefits the Navy offered worked out better for me.”
Naval Station Everett, one of only two Navy-owned deep-water ports on the West Coast, is home to the command staffs of Carrier Strike Group 11 and Destroyer Group 9, six U.S. Navy ships and one Coast Guard vessel. The base enhances the nation’s ability to accomplish strategic objectives by supporting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard forces, 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.
Negrete 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.”
Negrete has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud I was able to advance in rank,” said Negrete. “That gives me the motivation to keep going up and shows that hard work pays off. It’s rewarding to rank up.”
Negrete can take pride in serving America through military service.
“For me, serving in the Navy means being the first in my family to serve,” said Negrete. “It means I’m grateful for my family, this country and hard-working Americans.”
Negrete is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad for showing me a speech from Adm. William McRaven, a Navy SEAL, who became an admiral,” added Negrete. “The speech was from when he was a younger person and it was inspiring for me.”