BALTIMORE—-​Operations Specialist 2nd Class Amy Gonzalez is keen on safety. It’s her number-one priority, whether wearing her Southwest uniform as a ramp agent, or when she dons her U.S. Navy working uniform.  

 For the last year and a half, Gonzalez has supported the Military Sealift Command (MSC) mission and says whether on the tarmac at a civilian airport or serving MSC around the world, she takes advantage of every opportunity to hone her skills. 
 
“I learn something new every day I go on duty. Incorporating new ideas and having more knowledge of the job every time I perform it, helps me become better at it,” she said. “My job is thrilling, unique and versatile. Not everything is the same every day. As an operations specialist, I get to see everything firsthand regarding operations.” 
 
Currently, she serves as the safety officer for Navy Reserve MSC Europe/Africa (NR MSCEURAF), headquartered in Baltimore, supporting the active command located in Naples, Italy. In her role, Gonzalez ensures each member of the command stays safe and healthy, and she routinely helps her MSC shipmates follow guidance on ergonomics, fire prevention, blood-borne pathogens and Navy regulations. It’s a job she takes seriously. 
 
“As the slogan says, ‘safety first.’” Gonzalez said. “I have to be mentally prepared and ready for any task given. I believe every training we get is an additional tool that helps us stay safe and alive.” 
 
While drilling at her Reserve unit  during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gonzalez was instrumental in making sure each of the Sailors in her Reserve unit were issued Navy-approved protective gear to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.   
 
In addition to her safety role, while on annual training orders recently, Gonzalez volunteered to take on the additional responsibility of assisting MSC mariners navigating COVID-19 regulations in various European countries. The ever-changing situation caused by the pandemic has impacted crew travel and the relief process. 
 
“OS2 Gonzalez is an amazing Sailor who volunteers for any chance she can have to make a difference,” said Capt. Josh Rall, NR MSCEURAF commanding officer. “She takes challenges head-on and displays a maturity that is well above the E-5 level. It's an honor to serve alongside OS2.” 
 
Originally from Panama City, Panama, Gonzalez now calls Brooklyn, Maryland, home. Regardless of where the mission may take her, she’s willing to do what it takes to ensure MSC’s objectives are safely achieved. 
 
“The biggest accomplishment is to know that I did the job, that it was done correctly, and that everyone is safe,” she said. “What we do is important. It's rewarding to see a ship come into port and knowing that the crew and the cargo made it safely.”