# @ucsandiego on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DQU2j9xk5he
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/36267213-ucsandiego-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/6f72499eb7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-10-27T20:18:35.000+00:00

## Caption

“In the skies over San Diego, the V-22 Osprey is a familiar sight. With its distinctive ability to fly as both a helicopter and airplane, the aircraft is mindblowing—especially to someone who grew up around military aviation and developed an early interest in aerospace engineering. It’s also what brought me to UC San Diego.

Growing up in Florida, I saw NASA space shuttles launch from my backyard. My dad, a Navy crew chief, exposed me to aviation young.

After high school, I enlisted as a V-22 Osprey crew chief in the Marine Corps Reserve. I knew I wanted a career in both the military and aerospace engineering, and I had deep respect for naval aviation—many astronauts were naval aviators—so it felt like part of my path.

As a crew chief, I have to understand the components of the aircraft and how they integrate. In class, I notice how my V-22 experience connects. In Fluid Dynamics, for example, I realized that’s why the Osprey has wing fences—structures that help direct airflow to maximize lift. It deepened my appreciation for the aircraft.

Joining Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), one of the rocket teams on campus, took my appreciation for aerospace engineering to another level. SEDS introduced me to UC San Diego’s aerospace community. The Student Veterans Resource Center ucsdveterans (SVRC) has also been a big support. It’s my go-to spot for coffee and connecting with other students. Being involved in SEDS and the SVRC makes me feel like I belong.

Balancing the reserves, school and parenting—my wife and I have two young children—requires time management. I report for reserve duty one weekend a month and two weeks in summer. I also commute from Oceanside, taking the train and biking from the station. But I just plan ahead. My professors are always understanding.

I’ve loved being a UC San Diego student and Marine Corps crew chief. It’s given me both sides of the coin. No matter your background, UC San Diego offers so many resources, and I’m grateful to be here.”

-John Sigafoos (he/him), Aerospace engineering student #TritonStories #UCSD #UCSanDiego

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,271
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 9

## Tags

tritonstories, ucsandiego, ucsd

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