Petty Officer 2nd Class Paolo Salanga is a 2007 Plymouth High School graduate and 2019 graduate of Brandman University. Today, Salanga serves as a Navy culinary specialist.
“I am a chef that puts my heart and soul into every product I make,” said Salanga. “These products boost the morale of a crew of 2500.”
Salanga joined the Navy nine years ago for the opportunities serving provides.
“I wanted to travel, see the world and finish my education in criminal justice,” said Salanga.
According to Salanga, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Canton.
“I learned in Canton to treat people with respect and have an open mind,” said Salanga.
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex is the second ship in the Wasp-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts. Essex was a 1000-ton ironclad river gunboat of the U.S. Army and later U.S. Navy during the American Civil War.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Salanga is most proud of earning the Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin and earning an associate degree in applied science from Brandman University while on shore duty.
“Serving in the Navy means having life experiences that you can cherish for a lifetime,” added Salanga. “ It is taking a leap of faith that everything will work out.”
