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JACKSONVILLE, FL – Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriel Duran, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 8 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Duran, a 2018 graduate of Cajon High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world, to get new experiences and to bring new ideas and philosophies to my hometown,” said Duran. “I’ve traveled to a lot of countries and Canada was my favorite so far.”
Today, Duran relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Bernardino to succeed in the military.“I learned to work hard from back home,” said Duran. “I was part of the Fire Explorers in San Bernardino County, and that taught me to be part of something bigger.”
These lessons have helped Duran while serving in the Navy.
VP 8 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Duran is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy plays one of the biggest roles in protecting the country,” said Duran. “The Navy is not just ships. We protect the country from the air, on land and even through cyber security.”
Duran and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud that I’ve traveled around the world and broadened my way of thinking,” said Duran. “Experiencing philosophies from different parts of the world has given me some amazing insights.”
As Duran and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means that I get to protect American culture,” said Duran. “Freedom of expression and being able to have different cultures is so important. The Navy ensures that future generations get to experience that as well.”
Duran is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Along with my family, there were many people who supported me in my decision to join the Navy,” added Duran. “I was given a lot of advice from teachers, fellow firefighters and mentors to go out and see the world.”
