MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Cmdr. Kevin McDermott, a native of Ocean Township, New Jersey, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Paul Hamilton, a guided-missile destroyer.
McDermott joined the Navy 11 years ago.
“I joined to Navy to serve our nation and to give back to a country that has given me so many opportunities,” said McDermott.
Growing up in Ocean Township, McDermott attended Ocean Township High School and graduated in 2007. Additionally, McDermott attended Merchant Marine Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School.
Today, McDermott relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Ocean Township to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned there is no better feeling or job satisfaction than helping your community and those that live in it,” said McDermott. “In the Navy, I have had the unique opportunity to help others and lead on a larger scale.”
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, McDermott 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 through operations around the world which ensure waterways are safe and can be navigated freely,” said McDermott. “In a world that depends on a global economy, these operations support international trade and commerce.”
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.
McDermott and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been watching those I work with and lead excel in their profession through promotions and recognition,” said McDermott.
As McDermott 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 is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life,” said McDermott. “It provides me the opportunity to constantly learn, lead, and defend our nation and our partners around the world. Additionally, it allows me to provide for my family and give them an example of what service means.”
McDermott is grateful to others for making a Navy career possible.
“This career would be impossible without the help and support of my wife and my three children,” added McDermott.