SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Dakota Shutty, a native of Waco, Texas, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings |
Shutty joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Shutty serves as an aviation electronics technician aboard USS Makin Island.
“I joined the Navy because my dad was in the Navy and I wanted to do what he did but better,” said Shutty. "I'm extremely competitive."
Growing up in Waco, Shutty attended Connally High School and graduated in 2018.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Waco.
“Growing up, I learned how to stand up for myself and strive for what I want rather than what others tell me to do,” said Shutty.
These lessons have helped Shutty while serving aboard Makin Island.
Makin Island is an amphibious assault ship. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Shutty is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“With our projection of power around the world, the Navy prevents other nations from messing with us,” said Shutty.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Shutty and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of the Navy Achievement Medal I received for the work I did in Sigonella caring for Afghan refugees,” said Shutty.
As Shutty and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving has helped me find myself and also my second family,” added Shutty. "Although they're not biologically related to me, I am able to turn to my Navy family for help any time."
Shutty is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my junior ROTC instructors for pushing me to join,” added Shutty.