• Hawaii native Capt. Melvin Yokoyama Jr. assumed command May 3 of the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific in San Diego.
• Hawaii native Capt. Melvin Yokoyama Jr. assumed command May 3 of the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific in San Diego.
SSC Pacific is comprised of more than 4,700 scientists, researchers and engineers, and is a member of an exclusive team of research labs that comprise the Department of Defense’s biggest brain trust.
Yokoyama has a bachelor of science degree from Jacksonville University in Fla., a master of science degree in systems engineering (information warfare and electrical systems engineering subspecialties) from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps.
With more than 25 years of service in the Navy, Yokoyama spent more than half of his career deployed overseas flying off of aircraft carriers or conducting sensitive reconnaissance missions.
Yokoyama is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Yokoyama Sr. of Pahala.
• Navy Seaman Brittany S. Vargas arrived for duty as master at arms 3rd class with Security Forces, Naval Base Kitsap, Wash.
Vargas is the daughter of Theresa Kamakawiwoole of Keaau and Ben Vargas of Phoenix.
The seaman graduated in 2008 from Keaau High School and earned an associate degree in 2017 from Kaplan University (Online), Davenport, Iowa.
• U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Kamalu K. Kaaa graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Kaaa is the son of Nicole N. and Kelsey K. Kaaa of Hilo.