Petty Officer 3rd Class Novalee Manzella, a native of Vancouver, serves in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. Manzella graduated from Mountain View High School in 2019, and went on to serve in the Navy for two years.
“My dad inspired me to join the Navy,” said Manzella. “He was an aviation electrician’s mate. Seeing how much joy he got in the Navy inspired me to find my own joy serving and making him proud.”
Manzella also credited a Vancouver upbringing for many valuable life skills. “Having a good work ethic is important,” said Manzella. “I learned that from my hometown. Working hard and having a connection to family are all very important to me. I appreciate those who are older and wiser because I can learn a lot from them.”
