CHULA VISTA, Calif. –
Apprentices from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility Detachment San Diego, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard San Diego and Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, were celebrated during a graduation ceremony at Southwestern College at the WESA building, in Chula Vista, California, Jan. 23, 2026.
Thirteen graduates walked the stage to receive their degrees in honor of their successful completion of the Southwest Regional Apprentice Program.
The Scholastic Achievement Award was presented to David Cannon, marine machinery mechanic, SWRMC, for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Sinatala Filemoni, marine machinery mechanic, SWRMC, was selected as Apprentice of the Year. Filemoni was also chosen by her classmates to be the class speaker for the graduation ceremony.
In her remarks, Filemoni, reflected on the journey she and classmates went through as they completed the program, and what they have taken away from it.
“As we move forward into the workforce as journey workers, the responsibility now shifts to us,” Filemoni said. “Our Sailors depend on the work we do. Our shops depend on our professionalism. And, future apprentices will look to us just as we once looked at the classes who came before us. The standard we set now—the quality we uphold, the leadership we show, and the pride we take in our trades—will shape not only our careers, but the legacy of this program.”
Among this year's graduating class were students trained as production machinery electricians, machinist, marine machinery, marine electricians, pipefitters, riggers and welders.
The featured speaker for the event was Brian Karosich, commanding officer of Southwest Regional Maintenance Center. During his remarks, he challenged the graduates to continue to excel and grow their knowledge base.
“Your entrance to the government workforce comes at a critical time in the nation’s history, where the demand for your skills and leadership will only increase,” Karosich said. “Use this as an opportunity to build upon the lessons you have learned during your apprenticeship to expand your expertise. Continue to be curious and seek further knowledge. Challenge yourself to solve new problems that will foster growth through experience.”