From Enlisted Sailor to Officer: Navy “Mustang” Earns Engineering Degree

[Tony]

Juan Brambila’s years of hard work came together in one unforgettable weekend. He was commissioned as a naval officer and graduated from Old Dominion University the next day with a degree in mechanical engineering. The road to this monumental weekend included 12-hour commutes, little sleep and the perseverance needed to achieve one’s future potential.  

Juan is a Navy Mustang, an officer who begins as an enlisted sailor, learning the U.S. Navy from the ground up before earning a commission. The term refers to the wild mustang horse, reflecting grit, resilience and leadership shaped by hands-on experience.