NAS Sigonella Sailor in the Spotlight

Courtesy Photo | NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Dec. 22, 2023) - Logistic Specialist 3rd Class Melissa Arizmendi Laredo, 19, from Sacramento, Calif., gives a speech during a community relations project on Naval Air Station Sigonella. Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command. (U.S. Navy courtesy asset)  

SIGONELLA, ITALY

12.22.2023

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Samayaah Smith 

Naval Air Station Sigonella

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Dec. 22, 2023) – From hard times to hooyah! Logistic Specialist 3rd Class Melissa Arizmendi Laredo, 19, from Sacramento, Calif., never imagined she would join the Navy, until her goals led her down a new path.

“In my senior year of high school, my family and I were going through a really hard time, so my biggest reason for joining was stability,” said Arizmendi Laredo. “[There was a time when] the only thing I focused on was where I would be in the next week. I now find myself in a better state of life - accomplishing goals and setting bigger goals.”

Arizmendi Laredo enlisted in the Navy July 6, 2022, and has been assigned to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Operations Department, Port Operations division (Port Ops), for nearly one year.

My favorite part of my job is the people I work with - we are a small office of six people,” said Arizmendi Laredo. “I might not do much within my rate (job specialty), but I am learning many other things.”

In response to working with Boatswain’s Mates (BMs) – the oldest rate in the U.S. Navy – Arizmendi Laredo replied with fondness. “I work with BMs and I enjoy it - their leadership is unmatched. This is my first command and I can proudly say BMs raised me. I know the traits I have learned and experiences I have had with them will always stay with me.”

Though she primarily supports port operations at the Augusta Bay pier, Arizmendi Laredo also serves as the repair part petty officer (RPPO), building manager, vehicle/training petty officer, key and lock custodian and serves in the honor guard.

“You gain experience and knowledge from everything you do, whether it is something you signed up for, or something you never saw yourself doing,” said Arizmendi Laredo. “I am always willing to learn something new that can help me improve.”
Arizmendi Laredo said her proudest accomplishment so far while serving in the Navy was her promotion to third class petty officer, and it happened when she least expected.

“I was frocked by the Captain, and I had my team there; it was a very emotional moment in my life,” said Arizmendi Laredo. “A career is rewarding when you can see yourself making a difference - when you see yourself in a better place.”

Travel and education were also factors which led to Arizmendi Laredo’s decision to join the Navy. Her favorite thing about Sicily is the scenery and she plans to travel Europe soon.

She is currently enrolled in school and working toward an associate degree through the United States Naval Community College, while also attending Arizona State University for Organizational Leadership.

Arizmendi Laredo’s parents often reminded her when she was growing up: “Uno en la vida, se tiene que ganar las cosas,” – “In life, you have to work [hard] for the stuff you want.”

“Serving to me means sacrifice and strength. Everyone has to sacrifice when serving in the military,” said Arizmendi Laredo.

During her free time, Arizmendi Laredo volunteers with the USO and the Community Relations Program, and enjoys journaling, listening to podcasts, watching anime and spending time with friends.

“The relationships I’ve made and people I've met are priceless. I'm thankful for everything I get to experience,” said Arizmendi Laredo.

Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassigonella/.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2023
• Date Posted: 12.21.2023 03:55
• Story ID: 460200
• Location: SIGONELLA, IT
• Hometown: SACRAMENTO, CA, US