Vanderla Akaka

---

Chief Warrant Officer 5, Vanderla Akaka, a two-time breast cancer survivor, and single mother of two - joined the ranks of 81 other CWO5’s in the entire U.S. Navy in 2021. Chief Warrant Officer Akaka’s journey started in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from high school with honors, she embarked on her remarkable career at the age of seventeen, joining the Navy in July 1991. Her path led her through rigorous training in Orlando, Florida, followed by specialized education at Radioman ‘A’ School in San Diego, California setting the stage for her extraordinary service career. 

Throughout her enlisted tours, Chief Warrant Officer Akaka’s commitment to excellence shined brightly. Notably, her tenure at NAVCOMTELSTA Far East, Yokosuka, Japan, where she earned the distinction of Junior Sailor of the Year, marking the beginning of numerous commendable achievements and notable advancements.

Chief Warrant Officer Akaka holds a Masters of Science Degree in Information Technology, has numerous advanced Cyber certifications, is qualified Information Dominance Warfare Officer, and Master Training Specialist. Her decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Intelligence MUC, the prestigious CAPTAIN Joy Bright-Hancock Leadership Award, NAACP Hawaii Chapter Thurgood Marshall Distinguished Leadership Award, Federal Asian Pacific American Council Meritorious Service Award, Federal Asian Pacific American Council Meritorious Service Award, and numerous other awards.