LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caprini, this story has ties to San Diego, California, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
“My dad served in the Navy while I was growing up and I really enjoyed hearing his war stories as well as hearing how the military could help me become a man and stand on my own two feet,” Caprini said. “In addition, growing up in San Diego I was constantly surrounded by Navy personnel and would always hear about benefits and opportunities. I also saw at least one Navy vessel every day which was a constant reminder.”
Caprini earned his GED in 2017 and joined the Navy eight years ago.
“I originally enlisted in the U.S Army but decided to make a change and join the U.S Navy to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world and to work on plane engines,” Caprini said. “I work on fuel nozzles and plane blades and keep our planes flying safe in the sky.”
Today, Caprini serves as an aviation machinist's mate assigned to Fleet Readiness Center West onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.
Carrier strike groups, and the embarked aviation squadrons, are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch Sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal, and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our Allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises, and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and 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.
Caprini has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud of the fact that my hard work and dedication has paid off and I have been able to complete all necessary qualifications for my shop,” Caprini said. “I have also been recognized as the Junior Sailor of the Quarter for quarter one of 2026. It makes me proud to know that my hard work does not go unnoticed by my unit leadership.”
Caprini serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
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/
“Serving in the Navy means having pride in one's self as well as one's country,” Caprini said. “I wake up every day to be a part of an organization that not only protects and defends my family back at home but also families all around this great country. I serve and fight so my children and their children can have a better life than I could ever imagine.”
Caprini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my leading petty officer, Petty Officer Williams, who welcomed me to the command, taught me so much and made this transition so smooth,” Caprini said. “I would also like to thank my wife, Alexis, for always being by my side and always supporting me no matter where the Navy takes us.”