MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Edreck Manabat, a native of San Diego, California, recently earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton.
The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps for meritorious service or achievement.
Manabat was recognized for superior performance as the leading petty officer for the Management Information Department in support of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
Manabat graduated from Morse High School in 2022. Additionally, Manabat is pursuing an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences from Coastline Community College and is expected to graduate in 2026.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
"Growing up in my hometown, I was in an environment that allowed me to truly find what I wanted to do in life," Manabat said. "The freedom my family provided me, along with witnessing how much they sacrificed, taught me how to take opportunities that lead to greatness."
Manabat joined the Navy three years ago.
"I joined the Navy to ensure myself a secure future because I grew up on the poorer side," Manabat said. "My choices were to hopefully make it through college with low chances to even land a proper job, or to endure hardship in the military and guarantee a comfortable life."
Today, Manabat serves as an information systems technician responsible for operating global satellite telecommunications systems, designing wide-area networks and monitoring radio frequency communication systems.
NMRTC Camp Pendleton is comprised predominantly of military members who support Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. The command supports overall Navy and Marine Corps readiness by training military command members to ensure they are ready to deploy and provide medical support to various operational Navy and Marine units deployed, ashore or at sea.
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.
Manabat serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Manabat has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is buying my own single-family home at 21 years of age," Manabat said. "
I've only been in for three years, but I already own a property because of the opportunities the Navy has given me. I'm also proud of obtaining my driver's license and buying a car at my first duty station."
As Manabat and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
"Serving in the Navy is the best decision I've made in my life," Manabat said. "It's allowed me to blossom into the person I am today, and has given me the chance to change myself both physically and mentally for the better."
Manabat is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
I'd love to shoutout my family (mom, sister, cousins, etc.), and my peers for giving me fantastic advice," Manabat added. "They pushed me to obtain what I need for the future."