Success Story

Mrs. Cornelia (Connie) Beriones has been sailing with Military Sealift Command (MSC) for over ten years and has moved up from the entry-level position of Supply Utilityman to Purser.

Originally from the Philippines, Beriones joined the U.S. Navy in 1990. While sailing overseas, Beriones met some MSC employees who recommended she consider a career with MSC when she transitioned from active duty. She left the Navy in 1994 and was hired on with MSC in June of 1995. Beriones decided to join MSC because it gave her the opportunity to put the skills she acquired while in the Navy to practice and continue to earn great benefits.

Beriones understands being promoted in MSC takes a lot of hard work. While sailing as a Supply Utilityman, she put in extra time to help advance her career, which is advice that she would give to any civil service mariner (CIVMAR) wanting to advance in the organization. There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills while underway. For those who can’t put in additional overtime while underway, Beriones recommends inquiring about the training opportunities that MSC offers. She has attended several supply training courses, which have helped her develop her supply and logistics management skills.

Even though hard work has helped her to obtain her current position, it has not been all work and no play. Beriones enjoys the shipboard life. She spends most of her time reading, exercising, and keeping in touch with her family in the Philippines and friends all over the world. She has also enjoyed her travel with MSC to Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta, France and Portugal.

While sailing on the USNS Saturn, Beriones met her husband who is also a CIVMAR. Although they don’t currently sail together but have shared many of the same experiences, such as their careers with MSC. Her husband, Mr. Marte Beriones, hired in 1998 as an Engine Utilityman and is now sailing as a Second Assistant Engineer.

Beriones’ hard work has paid off and as of May 2006 she began sailing as a Purser. She is thankful to all those who have helped her work towards attaining her goals with MSC.