MAYPORT, Fla. - Seaman Apprentice Kennedy Zaiden, a native of Chandler, Arizona, serves aboard USS John Basilone, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Zaiden graduated from Rio Mesa High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chandler.
“Some of the greatest advice I’ve received was from a quote,” Zaiden said. “Make peace with your past so it won’t mess with your present.”
Zaiden joined the Navy almost a year ago. Today, Zaiden serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I was heavily inspired by my parents to do so,” Zaiden said. “Both my parents are retired from the Navy, and I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment emulating their dedication to our nation’s greatest line of defense.”
A Navy destroyer, John Basilone, 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 John Basilone. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Zaiden has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have only just begun my career,” Zaiden said. “I arrived to my ship a little over three months ago, and although I have no accolades at the moment, just being a part of the United States Armed Forces is an achievement. I know one day I will pursue a path toward becoming an officer.”
Zaiden serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Once I became an adult, I realized how much sacrifice and determination it takes my parents to be committed to our family and our nation,” Zaiden said. “So, serving in the Navy means a lot to me. It’s a way to improve myself as an individual and be a source of pride to my family.”
Zaiden is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for being my biggest role model,” Zaiden said. “I admire her and hold her in the highest regard.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Zaiden graduated from Rio Mesa High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chandler.
“Some of the greatest advice I’ve received was from a quote,” Zaiden said. “Make peace with your past so it won’t mess with your present.”
Zaiden joined the Navy almost a year ago. Today, Zaiden serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I was heavily inspired by my parents to do so,” Zaiden said. “Both my parents are retired from the Navy, and I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment emulating their dedication to our nation’s greatest line of defense.”
A Navy destroyer, John Basilone, 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 John Basilone. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Zaiden has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have only just begun my career,” Zaiden said. “I arrived to my ship a little over three months ago, and although I have no accolades at the moment, just being a part of the United States Armed Forces is an achievement. I know one day I will pursue a path toward becoming an officer.”
Zaiden serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Once I became an adult, I realized how much sacrifice and determination it takes my parents to be committed to our family and our nation,” Zaiden said. “So, serving in the Navy means a lot to me. It’s a way to improve myself as an individual and be a source of pride to my family.”
Zaiden is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for being my biggest role model,” Zaiden said. “I admire her and hold her in the highest regard.”