A U.S. Navy sailor from Plymouth recently received the United States Fleet Forces Command “Bluejacket of the Year” award serving with U.S. Fleet Forces Band in Norfolk, Virginia.
The recipient, Petty Officer 2nd Class Brenden Goff, a 2012 graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy to utilize my God-given talents to glorify God and to serve my country,” Goff said.
The Bluejacket award recognizes junior sailors who exemplify outstanding dedication to duty and superior performance by going above and beyond their assigned job.
Goff serves as a Navy musician.
“My favorite part about being a U.S. Navy musician is being an ambassador for our service branch,” Goff said. “Whether it’s performing for community outreach events in places where people have never seen a U.S. Navy sailor or for visiting foreign dignitaries, I have the unique opportunity to strengthen the bond between our United States Navy and people around the world.”
The skills and values Goff learned growing up in Plymouth have helped in the Navy, he said.
“In the fifth grade, I chose the instrument I would dedicate thousands of hours to — the flute,” Goff said. “From fifth grade all the way to 12th grade, I had amazing music teachers who taught me discipline and work ethic that have led me to where I am today.”
Goff graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and in 2018 from Louisiana State University with a Master of Music in flute performance.
USFFC is responsible for manning, training, equipping and employing more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active duty service and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe in support of U.S. national interests.
U.S. Fleet Forces Band performs at military and community events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, and they are most commonly assigned to change of command ceremonies, retirement ceremonies and other patriotic events. The band’s repertoire includes marches, patriotic favorites and military ceremonial music.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by maintaining, training and equipping combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas,” Goff said. “Our forward-deployed presence in strategic areas keeps our nation safe.”
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