Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sebastian Portieleslopez | NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (June 10, 2025) - Aviation Structural Mechanic...... read more read more
NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (June 13, 2025) – From sunny California to sunny Sigonella, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman (AMAN) Miguel Pascual, from Bakersfield, California, has proudly served at Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, for the past year and a half.
VUP-19 is homeported in Jacksonville, Florida, and a detachment is currently at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella for a scheduled deployment.
“AMAN Pascual is a hard-charging Sailor who is a self-starter that completes tasks ahead of schedule,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Johnny Little, his leading petty officer. “His dedication to his teammates has led to many sacrifices of completing tasks, such as three Phase inspections (NDI- Non Destructive Inspections) and being the only Airman while on Deployment to volunteer off duty hours to ensure the safe recovery of [our aircraft.]”
Pascual joined the Navy Feb. 2, 2023, to learn something new and experience the various benefits the armed forces can provide. He says that serving is a great privilege, but making his parents proud is what means the most to him.
Pascual’s favorite part of being deployed in Sicily is the scenery and food, stating “I really enjoy the local food and the pistachio pasta, along with being able to see cool places like Taormina, and the beaches of Pozzallo. Being next to an active volcano, Mount Etna is a beautiful view, especially when the snow is on it, or when I can see the lava flow at night!”
He spends his working days performing maintenance on the aircraft, attending maintenance meetings, and checking tools. Whenever he finishes with his shop’s assignments for the day, he offers a helping hand to other work centers.
Pascual has been able to obtain his enlisted aviation warfare specialist pin, a warfare device reserved primarily for Sailors and Airmen above his pay grade. He states that this is one of his proudest achievements. Pascual has also deployed twice and participated in three non-destructive inspections.
Pascual’s favorite part of his job as an AM at VUP 19 is, “The travel and experiences. By working hard every day and doing what we must, earning time off is a privilege, and we take full advantage of it to explore and experience Sicily.”
Pascual’s favorite quote is, “Good advice may be ignored, but it is not a reason not to be passed on.”
“Pascual’s selfless efforts of off-duty volunteering in three different events while here in Sicily has totaled 18 hours, strengthening the bond between VUP-19, the Navy, and the surrounding community,” said Little. “His dedication to his team, the Navy, and community has him performing over many of his peers and the making of a great future Third Class Petty Officer.”
When he’s not at work or volunteering, you can find AMAN Pascual watching football, hitting up the gym, and spending time with friends.
Naval Air Station Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, and advanced logistical support to U.S. and 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 throughout Europe, Africa and Central Asia.
For more news and information from NAS Sigonella, visit https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/ or https://www.facebook.com/nassig.offical.
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2025 03:12 |
| Story ID: | 500399 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Hometown: | BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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