GROTON, Conn. – Seaman Ryan Mcleod, a native of Miami, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base New London.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Mcleod joined the Navy over one year ago.
“My mom inspired me to join the Navy, along with watching military movies,” said Mcleod.
Skills and values similar to those found in Miami are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to be respectable to everyone and to treat everyone as a family because the Navy is a family,” said Mcleod.
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, Mcleod 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 ensuring our borders and our seas are safe,” said Mcleod. “We have military assets around the world to deter adversary threats and prevent attacks against our country.”
As Mcleod and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means serving my country and doing what needs to be done to keep our country safe,” said Mcleod.
Mcleod is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Culinary Specialist 1st Class Thom, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Parchment, and Chief Khader, for their encouragement and motivating me throughout my career,” added Mcleod. “There are my mentors who taught me what it means to be a good sailor.”