Photo By Leslie Hull-Ryde | As a ramp agent for Southwest Airlines, Navy Reservist Amy Gonzalez is pretty keen on...... read more read more
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As a ramp agent for Southwest Airlines, Amy Gonzalez is pretty keen on safety. It’s her number-one priority, whether wearing her Southwest uniform or when she dons her U.S. Navy working uniform.
The second class petty officer is a reservist who has supported the MSC mission for 1.5 years.
Whether on the tarmac at a civilian airport or serving MSC around the world, Gonzalez takes advantage of every opportunity to hone her skills.
“I learn something new every day I go on duty. Incorporating new ideas and having more knowledge of the job every time I perform it, helps me become better at it,” she said.
Currently, she’s the safety officer for Navy Reserve MSC Europe/Africa, headquartered in Baltimore. Her reserve unit supports MSC Europe/Africa, which is located in Naples, Italy. In this role, she makes sure each member of the command stays safe and healthy. She routinely helps her MSC shipmates follow training given on ergonomics, fire prevention, blood-borne pathogens, and comply with Navy regulations. Proper training is key, Gonzalez said.
“I have to be mentally prepared and ready for any task given. I believe every training we get is an additional tool that helps us stay safe and alive.”
“As the slogan says: ‘safety first.’"
While drilling at the reserve center during the COVID-19 pandemic, OS2 Gonzalez was instrumental in making sure each of the Sailors in her reserve unit were issued Navy-approved protective gear to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In addition to her safety role, during extended AT orders, Gonzalez recently volunteered to take on the additional responsibility of assisting MSC mariners as they navigated COVID-19 regulations in various European countries. The ever-changing situation caused by the pandemic has impacted crew travel and the relief process.
“OS2 Gonzalez is an amazing Sailor who volunteers for any chance she can have to make a difference,” said Capt. Josh Rall, her commanding officer at NR MSCEURAF.
“She takes challenges head-on and displays a maturity that is well above the E-5 level.”
“It's an honor to serve alongside OS2,” Rall added.
Originally from Panama City, Panama, Gonzalez now calls Brooklyn, Md., home. Regardless of where the mission may take her, she’s willing to do what it takes to ensure MSC’s objectives are safely achieved.
“The biggest accomplishment is to know that I did the job, that it was done correctly, and that everyone is safe.”
How would you describe your job?
My job is thrilling, unique, and versatile. Not everything is the same every day. As an operations specialist, I get to see everything first hand regarding operations.
Why is your job important?
As a reservist, I have the opportunity to serve our country by keeping it safe. It is also important because as I serve, I may give active duty members the chance to enjoy a much deserved rest from their everyday duties. When I’m on duty, perhaps they can go home and spend time with their families during stand-down periods.
How would you describe your MSC colleagues?
There are so many personalities and qualities that come to mind when describing the shipmates I work with. I have worked with shipmates who have a good sense of humor and make the job easier as we encounter challenges throughout the day. I have also worked with shipmates who are serious, quiet, or friendly. There are so many unique personalities, but at the end of the day, I can also describe them as responsible, reliable, and knowledgeable when it comes to finding ways to resolve an issue. We may have disagreements from time to time, but we work together as a team to do the job. That's what matters the most.
What is the most gratifying part of your job?
The most gratifying part of my job is completing the mission. Knowing everything went well with no casualties is the best feeling ever. I also enjoy getting to travel and go places.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is leaving my family behind. Being in the military is not easy knowing we are subject to war.
What do you have to say about your unit?
There's one word to describe my command, and that's awesome! I believe in having a command that supports me and communicates everything we need to know so we are aware of what's going on here and around the world. That's exactly what my command does.
What would you say to others, including reservists, who may be interested in joining the MSC team?
What we do is important. It's rewarding to see a ship come into port and knowing that the crew and the cargo made it safely. All of this is possible because we all work together.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2021 23:00 |
| Story ID: | 389354 |
| Location: | U.S. 6TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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