SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Kihoi, a sailor from Aiea, Hawaii, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
Kihoi graduated from Aiea High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Aiea.
“Growing up, my friends and family taught me to treat others the way they want to be treated and to do everything to completion,” Kihoi said. “In the Navy, it is important to address people’s property because if you don’t, they aren’t going to listen to your orders. It is also important to take pride in your work and give everything 110% so it gets done right the first time.”
Kihoi joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Kihoi serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be part of the 1% of citizens who serve,” Kihoi said. “I also wanted to establish something for myself outside of my hometown because not a lot of people leave the island.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as 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 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.
Kihoi has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is when I was selected to be the crash and salvage lead petty officer,” Kihoi said. “I am proud of that because it shows my expertise and that I can fulfill a petty officer first class billet.”
Kihoi 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 going above and behind to keep the Essex mission ready,” Kihoi said.
Kihoi is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Paiste, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Swafford, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Ferrer and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Abadilla for guiding me and giving me mentorship,” Kihoi added. “I also want to thank the Kihoi Ohana for raising me and for their love and support of my every decision.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Kihoi graduated from Aiea High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Aiea.
“Growing up, my friends and family taught me to treat others the way they want to be treated and to do everything to completion,” Kihoi said. “In the Navy, it is important to address people’s property because if you don’t, they aren’t going to listen to your orders. It is also important to take pride in your work and give everything 110% so it gets done right the first time.”
Kihoi joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Kihoi serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be part of the 1% of citizens who serve,” Kihoi said. “I also wanted to establish something for myself outside of my hometown because not a lot of people leave the island.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as 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 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.
Kihoi has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is when I was selected to be the crash and salvage lead petty officer,” Kihoi said. “I am proud of that because it shows my expertise and that I can fulfill a petty officer first class billet.”
Kihoi 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 going above and behind to keep the Essex mission ready,” Kihoi said.
Kihoi is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Paiste, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Swafford, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Ferrer and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Abadilla for guiding me and giving me mentorship,” Kihoi added. “I also want to thank the Kihoi Ohana for raising me and for their love and support of my every decision.”