MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Boyd, a native of Maryville, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Paul Hamilton, a guided-missile destroyer.
Boyd joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Boyd serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Boyd. “Where I come from, not many people can say they have seen much. I want to see and do as much as I can.”
Boyd attended William Blount High School and graduated in 2015.
Today, Boyd relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Maryville to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, my dad taught me that life owes you nothing and if you want something, you have to work hard to earn it,” said Boyd.
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, Boyd 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 USS Paul Hamilton maintains maritime safety through anti-terrorism counter operations and ballistic missile defense,” said Boyd. “We keep the peace.”
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.
Boyd and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being meritoriously promoted to the rank of petty officer third class and then again to the rank of petty officer second class,” said Boyd. “I am also proud of being selected as USS Paul Hamilton’s Sailor of the Quarter for 3rd Quarter 2022.”
As Boyd 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 that I am doing my part to ensure my family, my friends and my home are safe,” added Boyd.