By Bryan Niegel Navy Office of Community Outreach
EVERETT, WASH.– Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Mirabal, a native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Everett, Washington.
Mirabal joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Mirabal serves as a sonar technician aboard USS USS Sampson based in Everett, Washington.
“I joined the Navy for new beginnings and opportunities,” said Mirabal.
Mirabal attended Charles W. Flanagan High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Mirabal uses skills and values like those found in Pembroke Pines.
“I learned that everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt and the chance to do better,” said Mirabal.
These lessons have helped Mirabal while serving aboard USS Sampson.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Sampson. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that always keep the ship mission ready.
Serving in the Navy means Mirabal is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We contribute to national security by using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats,” said Mirabal.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Mirabal and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am super proud of graduating from sonar technician school and doing a job I care about,” said Mirabal.
As Mirabal and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It’s a very interesting stepping stone in my life,” added Mirabal. “It has created a new outlook in life.” MIRABAL
Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy
MIRABAL
Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy
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