Navy Operational Support Center Indianapolis Sailor Celebrates Pacific Islander Heritage

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

05.20.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Suits 

NR NPASE Midwest

At Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Indianapolis, one Sailor in particular lives by that message everyday.
Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Norbert Bumagat, Manpower and Admin Dept. Head at NOSC Indianapolis, was born and raised in Agana, Guam with the same upbringing as most Americans.
“Money was always tight,” Bumagat says. “We weren’t as wealthy as most Americans. The struggle was always there. My parents did enough to raise their kids right and help them finish their education.”
Along with his younger siblings consisting of one brother and two sisters, Bumagat’s childhood living on a small island limited his exposure to American mainstream media.
It wasn’t until May 30, 2002 when Bumagat left for basic training and later became a Machinist Mate that his first taste of American life came as a surprise to him.
“It was definitely a culture shock,” Bumagat said. “I was getting myself into a new lifestyle and meeting people of other ethnicities that I’ve never met before.”
His brother Roberto, Jr is currently assigned as a Logistics Specialist 3rd Class with the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.
Today, there are over 24,000 Asian Americans and Pacfic Islanders serving in the Navy. Bumagat says he enjoys meeting other Pacific Islanders amongst the ranks.
“We are a small community, although we are small in stature,” Bumagat jokingly stated. “Once you meet other Pacific Islanders, you get a sense of how they act and work.”
Along with his duties as Manpower and Admin Dept. Head, Bumagat’s role as Assistant Command Managed Equal Opportunity Manager, Assistant Education Services Officer, Assistant Legal Officer and armed watch stander speaks volumes of diversity and commitment within his chain of command.
“He embodies equal opportunity,” said Chief Yeoman (SW) Jermaine Johnson, NOSC Indianapolis senior enlisted leader. “Bumagat is one of my best Sailors who has proven that no matter what ethnicity you are, great things happen to great people who work hard.”
Bumagat spends his time off-duty with his 2-year old son Benjamin and his 6-year old daughter Alyson. He delights in his children being born in the United States instead of Guam.
“They get to experience a different way of life and everything the [United States] has to offer,” Bumagat said. “I had to work when I was in my teens to support my family and myself.”
Bumagat’s earlier tours of duty include USS Duluth (LPD-6), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), Navy Recruiting District San Diego, Navy Region Northwest Reserve Component Command and NOSC Indianapolis.

• Date Taken: 05.20.2017
• Date Posted: 05.21.2017 15:42
• Story ID: 234631
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US