Coast Guard observes Black History Month

Part 2: Meet Petty Officer Leon Ann’el

Story, photos and video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Henry G. Dunphy

Petty Officer 2^nd Class Leon Ann’el, a gunner's mate serving in Coast Guard Sector San Diego's enforcement division, was born on Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and moved to California when he was 18.

“I’m an island boy, I feel like my self when I’m near water,” said Ann’el. “That’s one of the reasons I love the Coast Guard all the more.”

After living in Long Beach, Calif., for several years, Ann’el decided to enlist in the Coast Guard as a way to become more stable and independent.

“I worked many years doing security, which were pretty much dead end jobs,” Ann’el said. “I wanted to be able to take care of myself and my family.”

As many people do, Ann’el also enlisted in the military to see the world and experience new things.

“I wanted to look back one day in life and say, ‘You know what? I lived life. I’ve experienced it, and not just by watching the geographic channel. I’ve been out there, and I’ve done it,’” he said.

Ann’el said it was challenging coming into the Coast Guard at 26, a later age than many people enlist, and giving up some of the autonomy that he enjoyed as a civilian. Many people his age were already further along in their Coast Guard careers. He said that by working hard and applying himself he was able to be promoted.

“Making 2^nd [Class Petty Officer] in under four years, I think that was pretty awesome,” Ann’el said. “That is my biggest accomplishment in the Coast Guard so far.”

Now, Ann’el is an integral part of Sector San Diego’s boarding team, serving as assistant training officer and as a boarding officer. His day-to-day duties include training other members of the boarding team on small arms use and law enforcement procedures and tactics, as well as conducting security boardings of vessels coming into port in San Diego.

Outside the Coast Guard, Ann’el finds enjoyment volunteering his talents as a graphic designer. There are even examples of his work at Sector San Diego, including the signage for Coastie Joe’s Coffee Shop and a logo redesign for the Area Maritime Security Committee. He is currently working on updating Sector’s logo as well.

“Graphic design is my passion, my sanity away from work. It’s what makes me happy,” Ann’el said.

This passion for life is apparent when Ann’el talks about what Black History Month means to him.

“Black History Month for me is a time to reflect on who we are as a people. Looking at all our accomplishments and being grateful for what we have achieved so far in life,” he said.

Through this inspiration and the challenges that he has already overcome, Ann’el sees the possibilities for his future as limitless.

“Where do I want to go? As far as I can go. They say the sky is the limit, but the sky has no limit. Then how far can you go?” he said. “That’s just my mindset.”

For information on the history of African Americans in the Coast Guard follow this link:

http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/h_Africanamericans.asp

Click the link below for video:

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