By Lt. j.g. Taylor Worley, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Seamen Apprentice Yvonne Nyariaro, a native of Plymouth, Minnesota, serves with Navy Medicine at Navy Medical Readiness Logistics Command, where Nyariaro supports operational readiness as a logistics specialist.
Nyariaro says a concept she learned early on in life has helped her be successful in the Navy.
“Growing up, the concept of ‘Umoja’- Swahili for unity- is a way of life,” Nyariaro said. “In the Navy, this translates perfectly into the ship, shipmate, self-mentality. Whether in basic training or on a long deployment, the ability to build a ‘family’ away from home is what keeps a crew resilient. Also, the military is full of ‘hurry up and wait’ scenarios and long hours in difficult conditions. The resilience learnt in my hometown helps me stay calm and focused when faced with the ‘fierce sun’ of a demanding mission.”
Nyariaro, a graduate of La Verne School in 2009, has been in the Navy for eight months.
“I didn't grow up with a silver spoon and for a long time I felt like my path was already paved with ‘good enough,’” Nyariaro said. “Joining wasn't an escape, it was an investment. I want the discipline to lead, skills to succeed anywhere, and the pride of knowing I stood for something honorable. Looking back, I realize I didn't just join the Navy - I joined a legacy of service that changed the trajectory of my life forever.”
Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well positioned to be the Joint Force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.
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.
Nyariaro has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moments are smaller but just as real, like completing tasks without having to ask for help, and being assigned responsibilities,” Nyariaro said. “It's about proving every day that I belong here and that I can handle the responsibilities.”
Nyariaro 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 is about transformation-turning a kid with a dream into a person of purpose and responsibility,” Nyariaro said. “It's a commitment to honor, courage and commitment in every decision I make, even when no one is watching. Ultimately, serving in the Navy means I will never be the same person I was when I started because I'm now a Sailor, and that's a legacy I'll carry forever.”
Nyariaro is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Special shout-out to my mom for her constant encouragement and support through this journey,” Nyariaro said. “Every milestone I've reached is because she believed in me and reminded me to keep going, even when things were challenging. I'm proud to carry your lessons every day with me as I serve. To all my family and friends, I couldn't do this without you. Thank you. Every day I'm reminded that resilience is not about physical strength-it's about the quiet determination to wake up and try again.”
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/