MOMMA BEAR

Kaylah Gillums's dad taught her how to box. The Naval Academy taught her to fight.

When disaster strikes, Aircrewman Esmelin Villar leaps into action to save lives.

Silence is a weapon. And no one wields it better than SWCC Boat Operator Nick O’Sullivan. Meet one of the Navy’s best kept secrets now.

When Ana Monterrosa became a single mother at 18, everyone told her to stop chasing her dreams, but Ana knew she was capable of more.

Engineman Desirae Martinez rolled up her sleeves to become one of the Navy’s first female Mark VI Patrol Boat coxswains.

After a traumatic accident, Hospital Corpsman Dominique Velazquez made a miraculous recovery and joined the Navy to pay it forward.

Health Care Administrator Diana Tran-Yu proudly serves the country that gave her freedom.

Photographer Kathleen Gorby tells the Navy’s story through the lens of her camera.

Chaplain LT Autumn Wilson found that opening her mind can help open others’ hearts.

The real pilots of TOPGUN aren't the mavericks the world believes they are.

Doctor treats infectious diseases worldwide—including her childhood home of Liberia.

Digging for purpose didn’t happen in her own backyard—it took her all the way to Bahrain.

Home's hard to leave. This Sailor watched 6 siblings join the Navy before it was his turn.

Sometimes, it takes four legs to remind you how important your purpose is in the world.

Dreamed of doing her own stunts but found action that doesn't end when they yell "cut."

For one homeless teen, a Navy education offered a chance to make the world a better place.

Justin Alvarado found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a new path in the Navy.

Michael Benitez thought he was leaving family behind but found a new one joining the Navy.

Some train to play college football, but former SEAL Damian Jackson simply walked on.

When this Sailor must leave her family to ensure their future, her strength is tested.

Being curious changed this Sailor's mind about the Navy. Then it changed her life.

A life of relocation and instability set him up to fail, but the Navy ensured his success.

A life preserver. Sailor saves people from perils at sea and feeds the hungry on days off.

This Sailor learned the importance of a meaningful life while staying true to his roots.

As a Navy Reserve Sailor in America's Navy, he’s also chasing his dreams to become a NASCAR driver.

In remaining an individual, she exemplifies the strength in staying true to yourself.

Sailor uses personal struggles by giving back to the country that gave his family so much.