By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office Of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 1st Class Adjo Awoudja, a native of El Cajon, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Commander, Navy Region Hawaii operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Awoudja joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Awoudja serves as a religious program specialist.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and for the educational benefits,” said Awoudja.
Growing up in El Cajon, Awoudja attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 2022. Today, Awoudja relies upon skills and values similar to those found in El Cajon to succeed in the military.
“I learned growing up that every day you wake up from your bed, that is your first blessing,” said Awoudja.
These lessons have helped Awoudja while serving with Commander, Navy Region Hawaii. Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Awoudja 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 is important to national defense because our projection of power and our presence deter our adversaries from ensuring free trade and security on our shores,” said Awoudja.
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.”
Awoudja and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am really grateful when sailors come to me and say, ‘You have saved my life, you have no idea,”’ said Awoudja.
As Awoudja and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds,” said Awoudja. “I also get to learn different cultures and different perspectives that help me grow. The better you understand your sailor, the better you can help them.”
Awoudja is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Master Chief Brian Bravo for motivating me, helping me understand Navy culture and for being a great mentor,” said Awoudja.
“Life, whether you’re in the Navy or not, is not a straight path,” added Awoudja. “Sometimes, we fail to reach out and utilize our resources. The Navy provides free resources offering resiliency, financial support, literacy, free counseling and whole body well-being amongst many other things.”
Reprinted courtesy San Diego Navy.
