By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melanie Perez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Millington, TN–Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Paus, a native of San Diego, serves the Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC) Expeditionary Medical Logistics Unit Team Two, where he supports operational readiness as a hospital corpsman.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those of his parents’ hard work and dedication.
“My parents came from the Philippines to the U.S. to make a better life for themselves,” Paus said. “My dad served 20 years in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, and my mom was a Registered Nurse. I feel like I got my work ethic from them to strive to do my best in everything I do and be a positive example to others.”
Paus graduated from Morse High School in 2004 and joined the Navy 11 years ago.
“I’ve always been around family and friends who’ve been in the military growing up in San Diego,” Paus said. “There was always a part of me that wanted to join, but never did. After a couple of years of working at a long-term care facility and playing music on the side, I asked myself, ‘What am I really doing with my life?’ I decided that I needed some stability and joined the Navy.”
Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well-positioned to be the Joint Force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Paus has had many opportunities to achieve success during military service.
“In May of 2020, my dad passed away from COVID-19 while I was stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD,” Paus said. “It was a dark time, but I was able to get through it, gain a better perspective on life, and turn a negative situation into a positive one. I had some great mentors who encouraged me, and by putting in hard work the following year, I was meritoriously advanced to E-5. I am also proud to help other sailors achieve their goals.”
Paus serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to live by their core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment,” Paus said. “There will be some good and bad days, but if you have a positive outlook on things, there’s always something to learn and grow from.”
Paus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First of all, I want to thank God for everything He’s done in my life. I really wouldn’t be where I’m at without Him,” Paus said. “Thank you to my wife, Nicole, and son, Rufio, for keeping me grounded every day and reminding me why I do what I do. Thanks to my dad for being the man you were. Rest in heaven. Thanks to my mom for all the hard work you’ve done and for always praying for me. Thank you to my family and friends back home. I love and miss you all! Lastly, thank you to everyone who’s mentored and helped me throughout my naval career.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
