Commander Way enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1989. She attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Fla., and went on to complete Ocean Systems Technician Analyst (OTA) A-School at Naval Base Norfolk, Va. Her first duty assignment was at Naval Ocean Processing Facility Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She obtained her Associate of Science Degree in Business Management from Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii.

 

In 1994, Way was selected for recruiting duty at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas. She served as an enlisted recruiter until leaving active duty in September 1998. During this tour of duty, she obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Northwood University, Dallas, Texas. Way relocated to her home state of Arizona and affiliated with the Navy Reserve.

 

In 2001, after completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology degree, Way was accepted into the Direct Commissioned Officer Public Affairs program. In this capacity she has served at Navy Office of Information West 119, Los Angeles, Navy Office of Community Outreach, Millington, Tennessee, Navy Office of Information Pacific Fleet, San Diego, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, San Diego, where she served as Assistant Officer in Charge, Defense Media Activity, Fort Meade, Maryland where she served as Executive Officer, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Pacific, Pearl Harbor where she served as Officer in Charge, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, San Diego and is currently serving as Executive Officer for NR Commander Pacific Fleet Public Affairs, Pearl Harbor.

 

She is currently enrolled in the Fleet Seminar Program, College of Distance Education, U.S. Naval War College and will graduate May 2025 with Joint Professional Military Education I.

 

Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.