A proud moment for South Jersey—Petty Officer 2nd Class Navy Nguyen, a Pennsauken native, has been recognized as Sailor of the Quarter while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton in California.
The Sailor of the Quarter program highlights service members who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Navy’s mission. For Nguyen, it’s not just a professional milestone—it’s the continuation of a journey that began back in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
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From Pennsauken to the Pacific
Nguyen graduated from Pennsauken High School in 2012 and credits his upbringing in the community for shaping his work ethic. Before enlisting, he spent time working construction with his father—hands-on work that taught him discipline, determination, and the importance of getting the job done.
“I have never strayed away from dirtying my hands,” Nguyen said. “Now, I serve as a surgical technologist with some of the most sterile hands possible, but the mindset is the same—always finish the job and do it right.”
That sense of responsibility and resilience continues to guide Nguyen as he provides vital medical support for sailors, Marines, and their families.
A Family Legacy of Service
Nguyen’s decision to join the Navy was inspired not only by his community roots but also by his family history. He carries the name of his grandfather, who served in the South Vietnamese Navy during the Vietnam War. Continuing that tradition of service, Nguyen has now spent 13 years in the U.S. Navy, building a career defined by honor and humanitarian impact.
Serving with Navy Medicine
At NMRTC Camp Pendleton, Nguyen serves as a hospital corpsman, one of the most critical roles in the Navy. Corpsmen are responsible for providing medical care in diverse environments—from hospitals and clinics to ships at sea and combat zones.
The command itself plays an essential role in overall Navy readiness, ensuring that military personnel are prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice and deliver medical support to Navy and Marine Corps units worldwide.
With global commerce, internet infrastructure, and national security so closely tied to maritime operations, Navy officials stress that retaining dedicated sailors like Nguyen is vital for the nation’s future.
Humanitarian Missions and Career Highlights
Among his proudest achievements, Nguyen points to his deployment aboard the USNS Comfort, the Navy’s hospital ship known for providing humanitarian aid around the world.
“Being put in a position to serve and help the less fortunate during humanitarian missions has been extremely rewarding,” Nguyen shared. “Those moments remind me why I chose this path.”
His service has taken him across the globe, yet he carries his New Jersey roots with him everywhere he goes.
Shaped by Service, Grounded by Community
For Nguyen, the Navy has been more than just a career. It has shaped his adulthood, teaching him values and life lessons that continue to guide him.
“Serving in the Navy has given me everything—experience, ethics, and morals,” he said. “It’s made me who I am today, and I’m proud of that.”
He is quick to credit the people who helped make his journey possible. Nguyen expressed deep gratitude to his mother, siblings, and friends back home in Pennsauken, who have supported him every step of the way.
“No matter how far away I am, they’re always there for me,” he added.
From the construction sites of Pennsauken to the operating rooms of Navy Medicine, Petty Officer 2nd Class Navy Nguyen embodies the resilience, service, and spirit that New Jerseyans are known for. His recognition as Sailor of the Quarter not only honors his personal achievements but also reflects the values of hard work and dedication instilled back home in South Jersey.
As Nguyen continues to serve on the frontlines of both military readiness and humanitarian care, his story stands as a powerful reminder that New Jersey’s influence extends far beyond its borders.
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