Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-BMU
Guest author:
- ASHLEY CRAIG, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO — Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Jane Aquino, from Manila, Philippines, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Manila, where Aquino’s parents, Praxedes and Ernesto Aquino, still reside.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of staying humble,” said Aquino. “I think staying humble is the biggest thing. There are people in the Navy who throw their rank around, but I think staying humble makes things easier for everyone to get along and prevents a toxic work environment.”
Aquino joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Aquino serves as an aviation maintenance administration man.
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“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t ready to pursue college life,” said Aquino. “I dropped out in my first year of college and joined the Navy instead. My uncles also served in the Navy and they encouraged me to consider it.”
Members of HSM 35 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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.
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“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Aquino has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
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“I’m proud that I stayed in the Navy and worked hard while being a single mom with two kids,” said Aquino. “It was hard, but I did it. A lot of people doubted that I would make it this far.”
Aquino serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“To me, being in the Navy means serving my country proudly,” said Aquino. “Not everybody can sign their life away in a contract to serve their country. For me to have even done that still shocks me to this day.”
Aquino is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
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“I want to thank my sister-in-law, Kristin Aquino,” added Aquino, the sailor. “She is probably by far the only person to support me from Day 1. No matter the choices or decisions I made, she was there for me and my kids. I also want to thank my parents, Praxedes and Ernesto Aquino, and my children, Mikayla and Elias. My parents are two of the major people who motivated me to join the Navy when I wasn’t sure about college life. They were always there for us, whether they were back in the Philippines or here, and they were always checking up on us. Lastly, I want to thank my kids because since they were born, they have been my biggest supporters.” (Navy Office Of Community Outreach) — (/)
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