Petty Officer Jose Ferreira part of our Nation’s Navy Reserve

March 3 Marks 100 years of the United States Navy Reserve

By Lt. Jan Shultis, Navy Reserve Centennial Public Affairs

FREEDOM — Freedom native Jose Ferreira upholds many roles – family man, senior engineer, and leader in the United States Navy Reserve.

Electronics Technician First Class Ferreira, who graduated from Aptos High School in 1992, now resides in San Jose, California. In the civilian sector he is a Senior Application Engineer for Brooks Instrument, an ITW Company – Manufacturer of flow control and measurement equipment.

When in uniform, he was assigned to Navy Operational Support Center San Jose.

Ferreira was one of the first reservists to work with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robotics during a critical juncture of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004. His technical expertise kept over 300 EOD robots operational, which were utilized by EOD technicians to counter improvised explosive devices. Ferreira was also responsible for training technicians on how to use the robots, as well as writing standard operating procedures still in use today.

“My family obligations made it necessary for me to shorten my active career,” shares Ferreira. “The Navy Reserve provided me a way to continue serving and fulfill my obligations. I have been blessed with the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. I love the Navy and I love my family.”

Following his deployment to Iraq, Ferreira took on duties as the Command Fitness Leader and Career Counselor for his unit. He is an active volunteer in his church, and frequently participates in Science, Technology, and Engineering events that allow him to present the Navy and Naval Reserve is a positive light.

“The Navy Reserve has allowed me to proudly serve my country while being closer to my family and fulfilling my civilian career goals,” shares Ferreira. “I have utilized my Navy experience to help youth in my community and show them that there is more out there. I hope I have inspired some of them to become future engineers and/or Sailors. I’m very proud that I was able to finish what I started on active duty and reach my Navy career goals while in the Reserves.”

Throughout the year, Navy Reserve units will be celebrating the accomplishments of Reserve Sailors past and present.

Find out more about the celebration at navyreservecentennial.com.