U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Jackson, Georgia, native and 2013 Jackson HIgh School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Ensign Samuel Di Rito has served in the Navy for one year and is a U.S. Navy surface warfare officer aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy surface warfare officer, Di Rito is responsible for leading a division of sailors in all tasks to include maintenance and administrative duties. He also takes care of them in all aspects of their personal and professional life.
Di Rito credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Jackson.
“I grew up in a small town and on a farm," said Di Rito. "It showed me the need for hard work."
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Di Rito is most proud of graduating and commissioning from Auburn University and serving onboard USS Port Royal.
“I am very proud of my accomplishments that prepared me to meet my goals,” said Di Rito.
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Di Rito is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Di Rito, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Di Rito is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather on my father’s side served in the U.S. Army and my grandfather on my mom’s side served in the Navy,” said Di Rito. “Both grandfathers taught and showed me patriotism and showed me a strong love for our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Di Rito and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means being apart of a team larger than myself and representing the U.S. Navy and Port Royal,” added Di Rito.
As a Navy surface warfare officer, Di Rito is responsible for leading a division of sailors in all tasks to include maintenance and administrative duties. He also takes care of them in all aspects of their personal and professional life.
Di Rito credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Jackson.
“I grew up in a small town and on a farm," said Di Rito. "It showed me the need for hard work."
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Di Rito is most proud of graduating and commissioning from Auburn University and serving onboard USS Port Royal.
“I am very proud of my accomplishments that prepared me to meet my goals,” said Di Rito.
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Di Rito is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Di Rito, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Di Rito is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather on my father’s side served in the U.S. Army and my grandfather on my mom’s side served in the Navy,” said Di Rito. “Both grandfathers taught and showed me patriotism and showed me a strong love for our country.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Di Rito and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means being apart of a team larger than myself and representing the U.S. Navy and Port Royal,” added Di Rito.