NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Don Donley, a native of Hampton, Virginia, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Beverly Taylor, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Donley graduated in 2019 from Kecoughtan High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hampton.
“My hometown taught me to be comfortable with uncomfortable circumstances,” said Donley. “I had mentors in Hampton who put me in uncomfortable situations that ultimately allowed me to become a better person.”
Donley joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Donley serves as a damage controlman aboard USS Ross.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and for the educational benefits,” said Donley. “I’ve been to places like Greece and France because of the Navy.”
Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Ross. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. Their jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, alongside a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Serving in the Navy means Donley is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we project force and deter war,” said Donley. “The Navy is necessary to maintain the freedom of the seas.”
With 90% 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.
Donley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is advancing to petty officer second class,” said Donley. “My first chief pushed me really hard to have all the qualifications and that played a part in my promotion.”
As Donley and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to protect everyone I love here at home,” added Donley. “I play a direct role in protecting my country and loved ones.”