26th March, 2024
Airman Ifadara Ayoola, who serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, has shared pleasant experiences working with the Navy.
Ayoola’s family resides in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. He graduated from Homat Pivotal College in 2018. Ayoola is also currently working toward an associate degree in psychology through San Diego City College.
He says the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lagos. He says the biggest difference between the United States and Nigeria is the structure.
Ayoola says organization is important in the Navy because things can be disorganized but says one needs to be still able to make decisions, carry out tasks and stay calm regardless of how chaotic the environment might be.
Ayoola told the Navy Office of Community Outreach that he joined the Navy two years ago as an undesignated sailor because he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself.
“There’s something about the hierarchy and the setup in how the military works in general that makes me feel like I have something to gain from it. It’s not a feeling but more of an understanding, I believe I can gain something valuable from being in the Navy,” he says.
Ayoola adds that his proudest accomplishment is getting closer to becoming a hospital corpsman, saying “I recently found out I’ll be a hospital corpsman and that I start ‘A’ School in March. It’s not easy or common to go from an undesignated sailor in aviation to something outside of aviation.
“I’m pretty excited about it because it’s something I wanted and really had to work hard at. Coming into the military, I knew the whole reason I joined was to become a medic. Now I can show that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
According to Ayoola, serving in the Navy means liberation. He says it is ironic because the Navy’s very strict.
“I don’t get to wear what I want every day, but some people are in stricter conditions. It doesn’t make you feel like you’re free, but you’re developing habits that are good for you. Waking up early and having a routine are habits that are setting me up for success,” he says.