GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Keondric Paigg, a native of Victoria, Texas, serves as a sonar technician with pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Hyman G. Rickover, operating out of Groton, Connecticut.
Paigg, a 2018 Victoria East High School graduate, joined the Navy three years ago.
“My dad served in the Navy for 28 years and told me about his experiences,” said Paigg. “I joined to follow in his footsteps and have some great experiences along the way.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Victoria are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to have a great mindset no matter how things go and how to work as a team,” said Paigg. “These lessons are very important in the Navy.”
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, Paigg 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 and sub-force, in general, have a vital role in national security and free trade,” said Paigg. “Without the Navy, a lot of things we take for granted would be a lot harder to get.”
Paigg has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is getting qualified in submarines and having the title of submariner,” said Paigg. “I will always remember the amount of hard work it took to earn that.”
As Paigg and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of belonging knowing I am a small part of a bigger machine that allows us to accomplish missions,” added Paigg.