WASHINGTON, D.C. - A sailor from Honolulu, Hawaii, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with Naval Support Activity Washington.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Petty Officer 1st Class Edith Prieto attended Sacred Hearts Academy and graduated in 1997. Today, Prieto uses skills and values similar to those learned in Honolulu.
“I learned the importance of being respectful and being able to interact with different people,” said Prieto. "It's an honor to share our culture from Hawaii."
As the “Quarterdeck of the Navy” and the host of many of the Navy’s central efforts in support of warfighters around the world, Naval Support Activity Washington provides safety, security, and the best possible working environment to supported commanders and customers. Naval Support Activity Washington includes six installations: the Washington Navy Yard, Naval Support Facility Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Support Facility Suitland, Naval Support Facility U.S. Naval Observatory, Naval Support Facility Arlington, and Naval Support Facility Carderock.
The installations each have unique support missions and storied histories, For example, Washington Navy Yard is the Navy’s oldest Navy shore installation, and U.S. Naval Observatory houses the master clock which is the official source of the time for the Department of Defense and U.S. government, supporting 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 Prieto 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.
“The Navy protects the seas by offering a presence around the world,” said Prieto. "After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy played a big role in defending around the Pacific, and we still do today."
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.
Prieto and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of my 22 years of naval service, and I'm still going strong,” said Prieto.
As Prieto 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'm honored to serve in the Navy protecting our nation and our freedom,” added Prieto.