Sailors Aboard Theodore Roosevelt Qualify for STA-21
Story Number: NNS090121-05
Release Date: 1/21/2009 4:24:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bonnie Williams, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Gulf of Oman (NNS) -- Two Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR)(CVN 71) will leave the ship in January to begin the transition to naval officers through the Seaman-to-Admiral-21 (STA-21) program.
STA-21 is a commissioning program in which participants maintain the pay, benefits, and privileges they enjoy as active duty Sailors and receive a scholarship to attend a university. Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Carlos Maldonado and Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class (SW/AW) Justin Roberts have both spent their Navy careers working toward the goal of becoming an officer.
"I initially came in the Navy for the college fund," said Maldonado, who is originally from Bronx, N.Y. "I was just going to serve my first enlistment, and then get out and go to school. But I decided to stay in because I liked being a part of something bigger than myself. I liked the fact that I'm a small part in the major role of world diplomacy."
At the beginning of Maldonado's naval career, which began in July 2001, he was a machinist's mate (nuclear) and went to Nuclear Power Training Command.
"The main reason I want to be an officer is to provide better leadership; I want to fill that void and be a leader my guys need," said Maldonado.
Roberts, originally from Wagoner, Okla., had a similar experience in the fleet. "When I first came in I tried to come in through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program, but I turned in the paperwork too late," said Roberts, who joined the Navy in August 2001. "I scored well on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery test, and my recruiter pushed me to go 'nuke,' but being an officer always stayed at the back of my mind."
Roberts has wanted to be a pilot since elementary school. "I have the option of being a nuke officer, but I never really thought about it," said Roberts. "I kind of promised my grandfather I would be an officer and fly [aircraft]. He said I would get more respect by being an officer; I would be able to lead, and now that's what I'm going to do."
Roberts already has some experience being a leader.
"I've worked my way up from work center supervisor to leading petty officer, and all this influence would be that much more effective as an officer," he said. "I will be a good leader."
Both Roberts and Maldonado were shocked when they received the news they were accepted to the STA-21 program.
"I thought it was a rumor," said Maldonado. Maldonado had recently checked the Naval Administration messages online and, at the time, had not received confirmation of his acceptance.
"I walked into my berthing for an inspection, and everyone in formation started clapping and congratulating me," he said. "I fell into ranks, and then started thinking about how hard I worked for this second chance and how much I wanted it; I was so overwhelmed I had to fall out of ranks and I lost it by myself in a corner. I was so happy."
Maldonado and Roberts both found out the good news on the same day.
"I was checking online all the time; I was so anxious," said Roberts. "I passed my division officer in the passageway, and, all of a sudden, she hopped to attention. She said, 'congratulations, you got accepted.' I was so shocked and exhilarated it made me giddy. The rest of the day I was just bouncing around the [workcenter]. Everyone who worked with me started calling me 'mister.' It was definitely a good moment."
The next step for Maldonado and Roberts begins in February. They will both attend the Naval Science Institute for eight weeks and then begin school for the 2009 summer semester at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. With hard work and dedication, both will graduate by 2012 and receive a commission in the Navy.
"I am going to be a surface warfare officer," said Maldonado. "I want to be a commanding officer, and hopefully one day an admiral. I want to be able to affect future generations."
Roberts decided to take a completely different career path from his former title as the Reactor Mechanical 02 leading petty officer.
"I'm going to be a naval flight officer," said Roberts. "My grandfather and uncle were both in the Air Force, and encouraged and mentored me to become a flight officer."
Maldonado gives credit to many people in his chain of command and aboard TR for mentoring him.
"The one who stands out the most is Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) Lucas Foster," he said. "[Foster] said that I would be great for the program, because I was smart, experienced and had the insight for the hard work the enlisted do."
Both Roberts and Maldonado are thankful for the help they received from many different sources during their trek to achieve a commission in the Navy. But the main person Maldonado thanks is his mother.
"My mother instilled in me that I can do whatever I want," he said. "She made it possible for me to dare to dream."
Roberts said the dream is possible for anyone who puts their mind to it.
"If you think you are STA-21 material, apply now," he said. "There's about a 1-in-4 chance of being picked up."
"Don't be scared," said Maldonado. "We did it; it's possible."
It takes the right attitude, motivation and determination for a person to achieve their dreams. For Maldonado and Roberts, the dream is well underway.
