We Are MSC: Third Assistant Engineer Jaime Racela
05 September 2025
WE ARE MSC --
We Are MSC: Third Assistant Engineer Jaime Racela
This week’s “We Are MSC” highlights Jaime Racela, a Civil Service Mariner onboard USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2). Serving Military Sealift Command for 10 years, Racela grew his career from an unlicensed Electronics Technician to a licensed Third Assistant Engineer.
Here is Racela’s story:
I began my career with Military Sealift Command as an unlicensed Electronics Technician in 2015. I decided to pursue my engineering license because I wanted to take on greater responsibility, grow professionally, and help others to succeed and contribute more directly to MSC’s engineering mission.
In 2024, I successfully completed the required coursework and assessments to qualify for a U.S. Coast Guard National Third Assistant Engineer license and the Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) endorsement. After receiving my license, I was temporarily promoted to Third Assistant Engineer onboard the USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) on February 2025. I have submitted multiple applications for permanent promotion. I could have easily given up but I was finally selected on August 2025.
I look forward to continuing to grow in my licensed role, taking on greater responsibilities, sharing knowledge to others, and helping support the development of future engineers within MSC. If I can do it, everyone can, and I will do my best to assist others.
“Sometimes Success can be found at the other side of a wild river”.