GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class William Mellon, a native of Johnstown, Colorado, serves as an information systems technician with pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Hyman G. Rickover, operating out of Groton, Connecticut.
Mellon, a 2013 Roosevelt High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to advance my career as an information systems technician,” said Mellon.
Skills and values similar to those found in Johnstown are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Playing football taught me to work hard even when times got tough,” said Mellon.
PCU (Pre-Commissioning Unit) is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
“The sailors on our pre-commissioning unit are working incredibly hard to get the future USS Hyman G. Rickover ready to join the fleet,” said Cmdr. Matthew Beach, Commanding Officer of PCU USS Human G. Rickover. “Each individual on this crew represents a different town or city in America, bringing unique life experiences and local values that contribute something special to our success. When this submarine is commissioned later this year, it will be the most advanced undersea warship in the world, delivering state-of-the-art stealth and firepower wherever America needs it. The USS Hyman G. Rickover will play a crucial role in our nation’s defense and that’s a testament to the professionalism and focus of these elite sailors. I’m sure their families and friends back home are as proud of them as I am.”
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, Mellon 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 is important to national defense because we always have a presence worldwide to deter adversary actions against our country,” said Mellon.
Mellon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is completing the information systems technician pipeline,” said Mellon.
As Mellon and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me because I am following in my father’s footsteps,” added Paigg.