SIGONELLA, Italy – Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Vanderpool, a native of Paris, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Sigonella operating out of Sigonella, Italy.
Vanderpool joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Vanderpool serves as a master-at-arms.
“It was a spur of the moment decision, to join the Navy,” said Vanderpool. “It was good though because it allowed me to take a different path in life.”
Growing up in Paris, Vanderpool attended Henry County High School and graduated in 2008. Today, Vanderpool uses the same skills and values learned in Paris to succeed in the military.
“Maturity, which is a big part of life,” said Vanderpool. “Responsibility and camaraderie are useful too.”
These lessons have helped Vanderpool while serving in the Navy.
Naval Air Station Sigonella is located in eastern Sicily. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and covers 10,000 square miles.
According to Navy officials, the primary mission of Naval Air Station Sigonella is to provide consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. Naval Air Station Sigonella supports a rotation of various squadrons and multi-service, multi-national transient aircraft.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Vanderpool and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of sticking with it — through good times and bad,” said Vanderpool.
As Vanderpool and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I Definitely feel honored serving in the Navy,” added Vanderpool. “I’m also very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.”