By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernst Gabriel, a native of Columbia serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Gabriel graduated from Blythewood High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbia.
“Growing up I was always around a wide range of people with different backgrounds, races and walks of life,” said Gabriel. “That made it easy for me to make friends and get along with everyone on my ship.”
Gabriel joined the Navy four years ago. Today, he serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate.
“I joined the Navy in search of a better life,” said Gabriel. “I wanted to see the world and have a career. The Navy gave me the opportunity to earn a paycheck and a college degree at the same time.”
Gabriel serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“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.”
Gabriel has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that during my time serving, I picked up (the rank of) third class as well as earned the certification of aircraft director so early in my career,” said Gabriel.
Gabriel can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means setting yourself up for success,” said Gabriel. “We come in as young sailors unorganized and distracted and leave strong confident leaders.”
Gabriel is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom for raising me to be the man I am today. Although she was skeptical when I first told her I was going to join she has always had my back and supported everything I do,” added Gabriel.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel
