Ensign Pedro Cardozo applied the lessons learned from his hometown of Stockbridge to help in developing the skills to become a naval supply officer.

“It’s diverse in my hometown, and I learned how to use people’s strengths and weaknesses to make the most of whatever situation we’re in,” said Cardozo.

Those lessons turned into an opportunity to learn leadership and the most innovative tactics of naval supply in the world at Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), located in Newport, Rhode Island.

“I have a business background, and I love business, so it seemed like a good match to serve as a supply officer in the Navy,” said Cardozo.

Cardozo is a 2017 Georgia State University graduate.

Considered to be one of the Navy’s greatest assets, the supply officers must first train and be mentored at supply school.

Prior to any type of extraordinary achievement, the students must first pass a rigorous course structure in order to become a Navy supply officer.

The mission of supply school is to provide students with the personal and professional foundations for success. This mission lends itself to the vision of the school which is to ensure all supply corps officer graduates are prepared to provide global logistics support to Navy and joint warfare.

Once these service members finish training, they are deploy-ed around the world putting their skill set to work.

“Our mantra here at NSCS is ‘Ready for Sea,’” said Capt. Nick Rapley, commanding officer, Navy Supply Corps School. “Our graduates leave this institution prepared to support the warfighter on land, at sea, in the air, and in the cyber realm. It is my honor to serve these men and women by providing them with the resources to learn their trade and perform in the fleet. Only a select few will have the privilege of serving as Navy supply corps officers. Logistics support is a critical part of mission success.”

There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a supply officer and Cardozo is most proud of graduating college and earning a commission as a naval officer.

“It means a lot to set an example for others in my hometown, especially young men and women who may look at my example,” said Cardozo. “It feels great to do something for someone other than myself.”

The future of naval warfare is rapidly changing, so the course and materials at supply school are constantly evolving to create the most dynamic, lethal, safe and professional warfighting team for the Navy our nation needs.

“NSCS’ flagship curriculum, the Basic Qualification Course (BQC) is modeled to prepare new supply officers for their first operation tours in the fleet,” said Lt. Adam C. Johnson, public affairs officer for the school. “Other courses like the Supply Officer Department Head Course, Joint Aviation Supply Maintenance Material Management, and the Introduction to Expeditionary Logistics Course, are designed to refine intermediate and advanced level skillsets of both officer and enlisted operators.”

Just as Americans go grocery shopping and conduct car and home repairs, supply officers in the Navy ensure sailors have the tools and equipment they need to deter any threat and maintain warfighting readiness and threat deterrence in an era of great power competition.

Cardoza is continuing a family tradition of military service.

“My father served in the Army as an infantry ranger,” said Cardozo.

As Cardozo and other officers continue to train, they take pride in what it means to serve their country in the United States Navy

“Serving in the Navy is an honor because we’re defending the rights of others,” said Cardozo. “My mother is from Venezuela, so I have a great appreciation for the rights we have here.”