SAN DIEGO. – Airman DeAndre Begaye, a native of Shiprock, New Mexico, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Begaye serves as an aviation boatswain's mate aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“My uncle’s service in the Navy inspired me to join too,” said Begaye. “He went overseas a lot and it made me want to try.”
Growing up in Shiprock, Begaye attended Shiprock High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Begaye uses the same skills and values learned in Shiprock to succeed in the military.
“I worked outside in the field farming for long hours with my grandfather,” said Begaye. “It taught me about good work ethic and waking up early in the morning.”
These lessons have helped Begaye while serving in the Navy.
USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.
“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task--get this ship ready,” said Capt. John Kiefaber, USS Tripoli's executive officer. “They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continued to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn't be more proud."
Serving in the Navy means Begaye is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national security by protecting the waterways,” said Begaye. “Our ship and crew prepare daily to be ready and able to deploy anywhere in the world with a moment’s notice.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Begaye and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being a side boy during a change of command ceremony aboard USS America,” said Begaye.
As Begaye and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I think serving in the Navy is a patriotic act,” added Begaye “I’m proud to represent my community and Dine' people doing something that most don’t have a chance to do.”