SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Carla Gayle Bernaldez, from Bukidnon, Philippines, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, at Naval Air Station North Island, California.
Bernaldez graduated from San Isidro College/High School Department in 1999.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bukidnon.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned resiliency,” Bernaldez said. “Despite the hardships, I always tried to stay optimistic, even in the most difficult situations. This has transitioned over with me to service life.”
Bernaldez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Bernaldez serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I was a Navy spouse for 20 years,” Bernaldez said. “When my husband retired, I joined the Navy because I wanted to experience the life of a service member and build a career in the military like he did.”
The “Eightballers” of HSC-8 fly and maintain the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s versatile and most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include airborne mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, combat logistics and medevac.
Bernaldez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of when I earned my first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” Bernaldez said. “I was recognized by the Aviation Maintenance Inspection Team for my outstanding performance as a technical data manager despite having only been in the Navy for two years.”
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.
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.
“The Navy means everything to me,” Bernaldez said. “The Navy has given me the opportunity to start my own career, boost my confidence, strengthen my physical, mental and emotional well-being, and taught me the value of leading by example.”
Bernaldez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my husband and kids for their constant love and full support even when I can't always be physically around,” Bernaldez said. “Their patience and understanding mean the world to me. I also want to thank my husband again, for mentoring me and pushing me to be the best sailor I can be.”
Bernaldez reflects on future Navy plans.
“I would like to look into the different programs that the Navy has to offer so that I might commission as an officer,” Bernaldez said. “If I were commissioned as an officer, I would like to remain in the aviation field working closely with a squadron.”
“I would like to look into the different programs that the Navy has to offer so that I might commission as an officer,” Bernaldez said. “If I were commissioned as an officer, I would like to remain in the aviation field working closely with a squadron.”