MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Dylan Montgomery, a native of Crowley, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Paul Hamilton, a guided-missile destroyer.
Montgomery joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Montgomery serves as a retail services specialist.
“I joined the Navy for a change of scenery and to create more opportunities for myself,” said Montgomery. “Seeing the world was one of my biggest goals and I've been able to do that because of my Navy service.”
Growing up in Crowley, Montgomery attended Crowley High School and graduated in 2012.
Today, Montgomery relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Crowley to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in my hometown, everything we earned we worked for,” said Montgomery. “There was no such thing as handouts, which helps me appreciate everything I've worked for while I've been in the Navy.”
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Paul Hamilton. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
As a member of the Navy, Montgomery 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.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by showing adversaries our strength and standing by our allies,” said Montgomery.
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.
Montgomery and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being a mentor to younger sailors who just join and are away from home for the first time,” said Montgomery. “I was once in their shoes as well so I can assist them to make the transition easier.”
As Montgomery and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me as it gave me a chance to create opportunities to better myself and protect my loved ones,” added Montgomery.