Houston Native Awarded Sailor of the Week Aboard USS Anchorage

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Williams-Church | 180915-N-YJ378-0004 GULF OF ADEN (Sept.15, 2018) Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Paul Bamgbala, native of Houston, stands in preparation of receiving the Sailor of the Week award, in the pilot house of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), while on a regularly scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The ARG/MEU is forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

09.20.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Breeden    

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Bamgbala was selected as Anchorage’s Sailor of the week for the week, Sept. 8 – 15 for his work performance while underway during the Essex Amphibious Ready Group’s (ARG) regularly scheduled deployment.

“Possessing rare leadership qualities and unparalleled professional expertise, he has proven himself as one of Anchorage’s most valuable assets,” said Capt. Dennis Jacko, commanding officer of the Anchorage. “His efforts greatly improved the work center’s efficiency and productivity.”

According to Jacko, Bamgbala has contributed to the success of his division as well as the crew of the Anchorage.

“As the Financial Clerk, he diligently processed consumable and repairable items, valued at $850,000 with zero discrepancies,” said Jacko. “During a recent replenishment-at-sea event, he led his division ensuring the safety of personnel and a 100 percent accountability of all the parts received onboard.”

Bamgbala believes in hard work and staying diligent.

“My advice for other Sailors is to give 100 percent of your effort, regardless if you think someone is watching you or not,” said Bamgala. “Stay focused and you’ll keep yourself safe as well as everyone around you.”

Bamgbala is from Nigeria and immigrated to the United States in 2003, and he joined the Navy in 2010.

Anchorage is on a regularly scheduled deployment of Essex ARG and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is a lethal, flexible, and persistent Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

For information on the Anchorage, visit www.navy.mil/local/LPD23

• Date Taken: 09.20.2018
• Date Posted: 10.03.2018 16:13
• Story ID: 293754
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TX, US