BOSTON – Petty Officer 3rd Class Diego Speight, a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, is one of nearly 80 sailors celebrating America’s 246 years of independence while serving aboard USS Constitution.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Speight, a 2019 Eastern Wayne High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
Today Speight serves as a yeoman.
“I gave myself a year off after high school to decide what I wanted to do,” said Speight. “My friend told me how he joined the Navy and how much he liked it, so I decided to join. It’s a good stable job.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Goldsboro are important to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to think through my decisions and strive for greatness,” said Speight. “I learned to make choices that broadened my career path.”
USS Constitution is the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, and the crew is hand-picked to promote naval history and maritime heritage while raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.
The ship earned the nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the Navy, Speight is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“In my opinion, the Navy is the biggest protection the United States has,” said Speight. “Our ships and submarines provide excellent deterrence.”
As Speight and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It's a lot of responsibility and there are a lot of eyes on you,” said Speight. “There are high expectations on sailors but it's an honor to be living up to those expectations and getting to work with the team.”
Speight is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am thankful for my sister, who is serving in the Air Force, and my friend, Isaiah, who told me about the Navy,” added Speight. “I saw how well they were doing and it inspired me to join.”