WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with U.S. Naval District Washington.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Griffin Kersting attended Pocono Mountain West High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Kersting uses skills and values similar to those learned in Albrightsville.
“The life lesson I have carried over from my hometown to my naval career is definitely discipline,” said Kersting. "My football coaches made sure to inculcate the importance of staying focused, respecting rules and order and being patient in moments of dismay."
These lessons continue to help Kersting while serving in the military.
With the nation’s capital at its heart, the region encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, including the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince Georges, St. Mary’s, The City of Baltimore and Bloodsworth Island; and Virginia counties of Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Fauquier, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.
Naval District Washington is the regional provider of common operating support to naval installations within a 100-mile radius of the Pentagon. Services provided include public affairs, public works, public safety, community support, human resources, information technology, morale, welfare and recreation, supply, air and port operations, ceremonial support and environmental and safety.
Serving in the Navy means Kersting is part of a team 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.
“As old sailors from the inception of the Navy used to say, we are the greatest force on the seven seas,” said Kersting. "We define and redefine readiness because what we defend is our home."
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.
Kersting and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“What I am most proud of is finishing my first deployment,” said Kersting. "This is a milestone for all sailors. While there, I was tested on my skills in my job area, also as a sailor and even my character when enduring challenging tasks at sea."
As Kersting 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.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me right now,” added Kersting. "It is my job and my duty every day to represent the finest people."