Ford’s EMN2 Talaya White Accepted Into STA-21 Program

UNITED STATES

11.14.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Walker 

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)           

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. ¬¬– Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Talaya White, from New York, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) reactor department, was one of the 50 recipients to be accepted into the Seaman to Admiral commissioning program (STA-21) for fiscal year 2019.
White, who was accepted into the nuclear field, said that her motivation to challenge herself began at an early age. Growing up in Brooklyn, White said she was part of student government, track, and students against destructive decisions at her school. She was never motivated by money, but instead was looking for ways to challenge herself and better her life.
“I chose the nuclear field because of what the program offered,” said White. “They told me that the nuke program would give me college credits and would challenge me academically. I was interested because I wanted the challenge.”
Throughout her naval career White has not only challenged herself, but says she takes pride in motivating her shipmates in becoming better and more qualified Sailors.
“She is always going further and further,” said Chief Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) Eulojohn Hugo, from San Diego, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) reactor department. “She challenges herself and the Sailors that work for her and around her. This is something that will definitely help define her when she goes into the STA-21 program.”
White draws her inspiration from a few different places which include being the best she can be, her family, and from those she has previously worked under.
“I had an officer who showed me a different type of leader,” said White. “She cared and also got things done. I am the type of person who when tasked with something, will get the tasks done right then.”
White branched out of her daily work regiment and pursued command involvement and qualifications on top of her four day duty rotation. She also juggled her collateral duties, job and family while still taking online college courses for electrical engineering for nanotechnology. She recently boarded for her Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist pin; which would be her third pin.
“She goes beyond what is expected of a nuke,” said Hugo. “Most nukes don’t normally go for command involvement. She has done that and more. When she worked for me she was my workcenter supervisor and she excelled at that job too.”
“I take on lots of things to see how far I can go,” said White. “My calendar is always packed with all kinds of things. I’m never having a slow day. I love to challenge myself.”
STA-21 is the premier commissioning source providing the highest levels of education and leadership training for Sailors per NAVADMIN 247/18. Sailors seeking opportunities should contact the command’s education service officer for available commissioning programs.

• Date Taken: 11.14.2018
• Date Posted: 11.14.2018 04:46
• Story ID: 299853
• Location: US