VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Savannah Sanchez, a native of Joshua Tree, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Beach Master Unit 2, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Sanchez graduated from Joshua Springs Christian School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Joshua Tree.
“Growing up in Joshua Tree, I feel I matured very quickly because we moved around a lot, and that has helped in the Navy because we are constantly meeting new people and getting stationed in different places,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Sanchez serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy for the learning experiences and the opportunities that go along with them,” Sanchez said.
BMU-2 provides tactical components and expertise in support of amphibious operations. The unit enables a smooth beach landing and movement of personnel, equipment and supplies from landing craft, air cushions and mechanized and utility landing craft. Beachmasters are the final link in the chain projecting American naval power ashore. Since 1949, BMU-2 assets have been involved in major amphibious exercises and operations in Lebanon, Cuba, Grenada, Desert Storm, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Sanchez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proudest of getting my qualifications as an engineman and Sailor and currently going through the process of becoming a sexual assault prevention and response victim advocate,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez 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 means I am part of something bigger than myself, and it comes with a lot of pride and honor,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Lori and Nick Ellis, for helping me through the Navy process and being supportive and encouraging and pushing me through when I needed it,” Sanchez said. “"I also would like to thank Chief Boatswain’s Mate Cowans for pushing me so hard to get my qualifications and for showing me tough love.”