MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Agustin Everett Sanchez, a native of Jonesboro, Georgia, serving aboard USS Farragut, completed a port visit to Mobile, Alabama, Feb. 13-17, to take part in the city's annual Mardi Gras celebration.
Sailors aboard the ship brought with them the experiences and hometown pride that shape their naval service.
Sanchez graduated from Jonesboro High School in 2011.
“Living in Jonesboro, Georgia, has brought on many lessons that I'm proud to say have helped me deal with some of the challenges I face on a day-to-day basis,” Sanchez said. “One of the most important is: faith over anything. Jonesboro is a proud and strong community that has plenty of ups and downs. But their faith, now that's where they draw their strength from. Because, despite the circumstances some might be facing, I've always noticed someone say ‘Well, God will provide for his people,’ ‘God is with us,’ ‘Jesus loves us.’ I carry that faith with me in every underway, every deployment, because despite what we might be facing, my faith keeps me calm, keeps me focused, and keeps me ready for what's next.”
Sanchez has served in the Navy for five years. Sanchez said the decision to join came from a desire to pursue something different.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something different from what my family has never done,” Sanchez said. “I have a few cousins in the Army, but no one in my family has ever joined the Navy. I always felt a calling to the Navy like there was something much more there than back at home, and I wanted to find out what that was.”
Sanchez serves aboard Farragut as a sonar technician (surface).
“I love being a sonar technician,” Sanchez said. “It puts me in an environment that I’d never in my wildest dreams thought I would be working in, along with people from all different parts of the world, that despite our differences, we get along. It’s a rate that you can never stop learning. It seems like every day I walk into our spaces, I’m learning something new and fascinating about my job. It keeps me on my toes for sure.”
Farragut is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. Farragut supports multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities and is capable of conducting sustained combat operations across multiple domains.
Farragut is named after the U.S. Navy’s first admiral, Adm. David Farragut. During the Civil War, Farragut’s final victory was over the Battle of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama, the Confederacy’s last major open port on the Gulf.
As the oldest organized Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile provides a unique opportunity for sailors aboard Farragut to engage with the local community and showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy.
During the visit, Farragut participated in a variety of events in the community, including marching in Mobile’s historic Floral Parade. In addition to several local outreach events, the warship offered public tours throughout the week, providing locals and visitors with a unique opportunity to step aboard and learn more about life and operations on a U.S. Navy warship.
Mobile’s annual Mardi Gras celebration with the U.S. Navy has been an ongoing and storied partnership going back over 100 years. Farragut has visited Mobile twice previously during Mardi Gras, and several officers and crew have family ties to this area. These port visits allow crew members to connect with the public they serve, share in national celebrations, and foster pride in their service and dedication.
For Sanchez, one accomplishment stands out in the military service.
“I’m most proud of my fellow sonar techs that got here as seamen (E-3’s), getting pinned to E-4 or E-5, and watching them grow to the high standard that we maintain on board when it comes to our jobs,” Sanchez said. “It gives me a great feeling knowing that when I depart this ship and go to my next duty station that I’m leaving them more than capable to get the job done.”
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 the opportunity to fall into a group of people that volunteered to be on a floating metal tin can and venture into a place that might or might not be happy with us being there,” Sanchez said. “I have had the opportunity to meet some of the bravest people I know. People I consider brothers despite not being blood related. I know I can call on them at any time of day and they’ll be there in an instant. Some of the greatest memories I will always cherish are from being part of the Navy.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/.
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 is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to include a shout out to some of my family members, my parents whom I love very much and thank them for raising me with whatever they had,” Sanchez said. “Though some people think it wasn't a lot, it meant the world to me and it made me who I am today. So thank you! My siblings Liz, Alan ‘the Galvan,’ Alvaro, and April, I love you guys so much and miss you more than you can imagine. My mother- and father-in-law who raised my wife to always keep me grounded when things got hard. My brother-in-law, his wife and little weirdo daughter, Gabi. My sister-in-law Tita and her boys. Mirari, my funny little niece, my stepdad, Juan.
“Lastly but most importantly my wife, Diane. My heart beats to the sound of your voice and you drive me to be better everyday. I love you more than you can imagine, mi reina. I'll be home soon. Jesus is king.”