SAN DIEGO - Senior Chief Petty Officer Courtney Maher, a native of Southington, Connecticut, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), where the Navy’s surface warfighters increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force.
Maher graduated from Southington High School in 2001 and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Post University in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Southington.
“Growing up, my mom taught me to go after my goals,” Maher said. “She would always tell me that if I wanted something, I had to go out and get it. In the Navy, we are here to beat our adversaries and we can’t do it on our heels. We have to know what the goal is and know what kind of hard work it takes to get it. Without being motivated and going after our goals, we will never achieve any of them.”
Maher joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Maher serves as a sonar technician (surface).
“I joined the Navy to continue a tradition of family service,” Maher said. “My great-grandfather served in the Navy during World War II, my grandfather served in the Korean War and my brother serves in the Navy.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
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.
Maher has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“The longer you are in the Navy, the less it becomes about you and the more it becomes about your sailors,” Maher said. “Watching my sailors get promoted and recognized is my proudest accomplishment.”
Maher 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 fills the void of needing to belong to something bigger than myself,” Maher said.
Maher is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Deborah Leggett, for supporting me through every step of my life,” Maher added. “I also want to thank my wife, Amanda Maher, for holding down the homefront when I am gone.”
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Maher graduated from Southington High School in 2001 and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Post University in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Southington.
“Growing up, my mom taught me to go after my goals,” Maher said. “She would always tell me that if I wanted something, I had to go out and get it. In the Navy, we are here to beat our adversaries and we can’t do it on our heels. We have to know what the goal is and know what kind of hard work it takes to get it. Without being motivated and going after our goals, we will never achieve any of them.”
Maher joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Maher serves as a sonar technician (surface).
“I joined the Navy to continue a tradition of family service,” Maher said. “My great-grandfather served in the Navy during World War II, my grandfather served in the Korean War and my brother serves in the Navy.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
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.
Maher has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“The longer you are in the Navy, the less it becomes about you and the more it becomes about your sailors,” Maher said. “Watching my sailors get promoted and recognized is my proudest accomplishment.”
Maher 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 fills the void of needing to belong to something bigger than myself,” Maher said.
Maher is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Deborah Leggett, for supporting me through every step of my life,” Maher added. “I also want to thank my wife, Amanda Maher, for holding down the homefront when I am gone.”