Deployments are a great time to attain personal goals. Financial stability, professional achievements, work center qualifications and Warfare Designations are just a few. 

But Electronic Attack Squad-ron’s (VAQ-142) Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Mario Magaña and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Marcio Pureza received a different form of personal recognition. They both have become naturalized citizens of the United States of America for their service in the United States Navy. 

During two separate ceremonies whaile deployed at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad, Sailors raised their right hands and took the oath that now affords them the opportunities and privileges of their fellow Americans.

“Being a U.S. Citizen now opens many other doors for me,” said Magaña. Now my voice will be heard. I can’t wait to get back home and actually vote. 

“I am now a part of the country I’ve been serving,” said Pureza. “I have options to do a lot of the things I’ve wanted to like getting my commission as an officer, voting, or even running for political office.”

Cmdr. Rich Meadows, VAQ-commanding officer of VAQ-142 summarized his pride for the Sailors. “I am extremely proud of the achievements of these two Sailors,” he said. “Their persistence and drive in obtaining their citizenship clearly reflects the caliber of Sailor that we work with day in and day out. I am looking forward to returning from deployment and seeing the faces of these two Sailors as they land in their country for the first time.”