Aviators in the U.S. Navy fly some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft in modern history. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air are the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
Seaman Eugene Basto serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Basto’s grandmother, Lucina Torres, lives in San Simon, Philippines.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Simon.
“Growing up in a home with a single mom and grandmother, I learned from the many hardships my family went through,” said Basto. “The main thing that has stuck with me is to be independent and work hard. That has helped me stay dominant in my field.”
Basto joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Basto serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the U.S. Navy to begin a new chapter in my life where I could further grow my career, realize my goals and manifest my dreams into reality,” said Basto. “I wanted to be independent without relying on anybody else but myself and prove I could do it on my own.”
FRCNW is the premier intermediate maintenance activity of the Pacific Northwest. With more than 1,000 sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, FRCNW provides intermediate and more sophisticated depot-level repair of more than 12,500 different aviation components. Repair services are provided for jet engines, airframes, avionics, armament, aviation life support systems, ejection seats and more than 2,300 pieces of support equipment directly supporting 22 local and deployed squadrons, 10 aircraft carriers, three overseas operational sites and numerous Pacific Northwest Regional commands and activities.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Basto serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Basto has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my work ethic and realizing my own potential while being in the Navy,” said Basto.
