SAN DIEGO (Feb. 21, 2023) – Petty Officer 1st Class Kersey Tadeo, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy aboard Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
Tadeo joined the Navy 10 years ago.
“All of the various opportunities, being able to travel the world and learn the tools to help me become an independent, self-sufficient man and sailor made me want to join the world’s best Navy,” said Tadeo.
Growing up in Virginia Beach, Tadeo attended Tallwood High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Tadeo uses the same skills and values learned in Virginia Beach to succeed in the military.
“Growing up with my grandparents and my family supporting back home in the Philippines made me work hard from a young age and understand that you have to work for everything in hopes of a better life,” said Tadeo.
These lessons have helped Tadeowhile serving in the Navy.
VRM aircraft are the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. They are designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which have provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
VRM aircraft are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of VRMs is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
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 Tadeo is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“With all of the chaos and uncertainty going around across the globe, having a U.S. Navy presence is a sign of strength, hope and courage that our allies can count on us from across the globe,” said Tadeo.
Tadeo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to be able to say that I have been able to climb the ranks to petty officer first class, become an independent man who can take care and provide for himself as well as someone who can help his family,” said Tadeo.
As Tadeo and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being a U.S. sailor and wearing this uniform means doing the right thing when no one is watching and no matter what anyone thinks,” added Tadeo.
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach