SAN DIEGO - Chief Petty Officer Marcello Chaney, a native of Conyers, Georgia, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Chaney graduated from Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Conyers.
“Something that my parents taught me growing up was the importance of hard work and dedication,” Chaney said. "Those traits have shaped me into the sailor and the man I am today.”
Chaney joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Chaney serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world,” Chaney said.
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Chaney has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of becoming a chief petter officer because all my hard work came to fruition after overcoming several obstacles,” Chaney said. “Making rank was not only rewarding to me, but it was a humongous victory for my family."
Chaney serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself while also being able to provide a comfortable living for my family,” Chaney said. “My kids are set and my wife could get her master’s degree because of the Navy. It is an honor to be able to put my family in a better position and to allow my kids to have unique experiences.”
Chaney is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Vanity, because being a military wife is not easy,” Chaney added. “When I didn’t fully believe in myself, she was always there to pick me up and remind me of why I am doing this. Every time I made rank she also did because she was the one pushing me. She donned my chief petty officer cover. I also want to thank our sons, Cetrick and Dallas, for being along for the ride and for understanding that I can’t always be home. Lastly, I want to thank my mentor, Lt. Kishen Nauth. I’ve had many great mentors throughout my time in the Navy but I wouldn’t have met any of them if it wasn’t for him. I was a petty officer third class and planning on getting out of the Navy. He told me to give him a year and everything changed. Now, here I am."