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An Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, native is serving with the U.S. Navy’s cutting-edge maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft squadron in Jacksonville, Florida.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Genna Shaneyfelt

Petty Officer 2nd Class Genna Shaneyfelt joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Shaneyfelt serves as an aviation electrician's mate.

“Joining the military is something I wanted to do for a very long time,” said Shaneyfelt. "I was looking at the Air Force, but learned that there are more airplanes in the Navy, so here I am."

Shaneyfelt serves with Patrol Squadron Sixteen, a high-tech maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron tasked with monitoring the world’s oceans in the state-of-the-art P-8A “Poseidon.”

Growing up in Upper St. Clair, Shaneyfelt attended Upper St. Clair High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Shaneyfelt finds the values in Upper St. Clair similar to those needed to succeed in the military.

“I learned responsibility,” said Shaneyfelt. "I was fortunate to grow up where I did and get the education I had. There was a big push toward self-discipline and focus on education. The Navy is also big on self-teaching and learning."

These lessons have helped Shaneyfelt while serving in the Navy supporting the P-8 Poseidon mission.

The P-8 Poseidon mission is to conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance as well as long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence gathering missions. They deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

Serving in the Navy means Shaneyfelt is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is the premiere maritime security,” said Shaneyfelt. "We're around the world providing whatever is needed, no matter where, no matter what."

As Shaneyfelt and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“I want to make a difference in the world, my country and my community,” added Shaneyfelt. "The Navy allows me to do this, while providing for my family. It's one of the most meaningful things I've ever done in my life. My time in the Navy has made me the person I am today."

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