MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Santilli, a native of Casa Grande, Arizona, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Santilli, a 2011 graduate of Casa Grande Union High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to try something new,” said Santilli. "Serving in the Navy is something that not many people get the opportunity to try."
Today, Santilli relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Casa Grande to succeed in the military.
“I learned anything worth having is worth fighting for,” said Santilli. "There are a lot of struggles in life and you have to keep pushing."
These lessons have helped Santilli while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The 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 Jason Dunham. 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.
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."
Serving in the Navy means Santilli is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is vital for the protection of foreign and domestic assets,” said Santilli. “The Navy is crucial for the safety and security of our families back home."
Santilli and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was making petty officer second class,” said Santilli. "I am proud that I was able to make second class in such a short time. It's a testament to my hard work and effort.”
As Santilli and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Do your best no matter how difficult or annoying things can get,” said Santilli. "Eventually, things will go in the direction you're intending."
Santilli is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” added Santilli. "My parents and siblings have provided me with continual support.”
Jason Dunham is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The 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 Jason Dunham. 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.
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."
Serving in the Navy means Santilli is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is vital for the protection of foreign and domestic assets,” said Santilli. “The Navy is crucial for the safety and security of our families back home."
Santilli and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was making petty officer second class,” said Santilli. "I am proud that I was able to make second class in such a short time. It's a testament to my hard work and effort.”
As Santilli and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Do your best no matter how difficult or annoying things can get,” said Santilli. "Eventually, things will go in the direction you're intending."
Santilli is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” added Santilli. "My parents and siblings have provided me with continual support.”