Merritt Island Native Mickayla Erdman Serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily

Naval Air Station Sigonella supports a rotation of various squadrons

STORIES OF SERVICE

Story and photo by Lt. Sandra Niedzwiecki, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SIGONELLA, SICILY – Hospitalman Mickayla Erdman, a native of Merritt Island, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy at the U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command operating out of Sigonella, Italy.

Erdman joined the Navy two years ago.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to become a dentist, and I felt that this was the best path for me to gain experience as a dental assistant,” said Erdman.

“I can apply for dental school later in my career because of my time in the Navy.”

Growing up in Merritt Island, Erdman attended Merritt Island High School and graduated in 2020. Today, Erdman uses the same skills and values learned in Merritt Island to succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me to treat everyone the way you want to be treated because you never know what people are going through,” said Erdman.

These lessons have helped Erdman while serving in the Navy.

Naval Air Station Sigonella is located in eastern Sicily, 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.

Erdman and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“Graduating boot camp and “A” school are my most proud accomplishments so far in my naval career,” said Erdman.

As Erdman and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means that I get to meet people from all walks of life and learn different things from everyone,” added Erdman. “I get to have an impact on my fellow sailors’ careers and health too.”

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