Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Angela Zarate, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves the U.S. Navy in Japan.
Zarate graduated from San Bernardino High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.
“I learned to not judge a book by its cover,” said Zarate. “Sometimes what people look like on the outside does not tell you what their heart and mind are. You should give people a chance.”
Zarate joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Zarate serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy as a first-generation American,” said Zarate. ”The Navy provided great financial and educational opportunities.”
According to Navy officials, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka empowers forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to military members and their families.
Zarate 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.
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.
“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.”
Zarate has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
Zarate has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of a time when one of my sailors told me I inspired them and that I am someone they would like to emulate and use as an example,” said Zarate. “That made me feel like this is worth it. This is my ‘why.’”
Zarate can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is a representation of the hard work of my parents and my ancestors,” said Zarate. “It makes their struggles and challenges all worth it.”
Zarate is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my sister, Maria Hernandez,” added Zarate. “She has always been my rock. Before the Navy, through the Navy, and whatever comes in the future, I know she will always be there. Words can’t even describe the gratitude I have for her.”
