Navy Junior Continues Family’s Legacy of Service

Dad retired after 20 years in the U.S. Navy and now works as a government civilian.

Mom also serves as a government civilian who works for Military Sealift Command Far East.

Thanks to the Navy, the family lived in Italy, Southeast Asia, and several other locales.

So, what’s a graduating senior whose family is full of public servants supposed to do?

“I want to repay my country for the opportunities that I have been given for a good education and an amazing home,” said Shaquille Aranas.

“The men and women serving in the military risk their lives every day to keep our country safe and to keep providing opportunities for families such as mine.

“I want to do the same so that younger generations can gain the same opportunities that I have, if not better. I also want to leave a positive impact on the community and inspire others to do the same.”

He plans to do just that by serving as a naval aviator, hopefully flying jets.

But first, he has to graduate – from high school in May and then, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

As a member of the Class of 2025, Aranas will start his journey at the academy on I-Day, otherwise known as Induction Day. Every year on July 1, parents drop off their freshmen, called “plebes” at USNA.

During Plebe Summer, more senior students – known as midshipmen – teach the newcomers about life on the yard, which is what the campus is referred to. The month or so before the student body – known as the Brigade of Midshipmen – returns to the academy in August gives plebes the chance to get acclimated.