MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Daughtry, a native of Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Daughtry, a 2010 graduate of Beach Channel High School, joined the Navy eight years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I needed an escape in life after a previous relationship didn’t work out,” said Daughtry. "I told myself if things began getting difficult for me, I would join the military."
Today, Daughtry relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Far Rockaway, Queens to succeed in the military.
“Having to manage a minimal budget with the resources that are available, has helped me have better money management skills,” said Daughtry. “I use my experience to be a mentor to junior sailors, giving them sound advice and guidance with their finances.”
These lessons have helped Daughtry while serving in the Navy.
NAVSTA Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville area. Mayport is home to a busy seaport as well as an air facility, and has an 8,000 ft. runway capable of handling any aircraft in DoD inventory.
The mission of NAVSTA Mayport is to sustain and enhance warfighter readiness. The Navy at Mayport covers 3,409 acres and is the third largest naval facility in the continental United States. NAVSTA Mayport is home to more than 70 tenant commands and is home to the U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet and the Navy’s first Triton squadron, according to Navy officials.
NAVSTA Mayport was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Put simply, Mayport was selected as the best out of all U.S. Navy installations Fleet-wide.
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 Daughtry 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 important to national defense because we maintain sea lanes across the world which is vital to both our commerce and democracy,” said Daughtry.
Daughtry and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is buying my first house,” said Daughtry. “I moved my family from Queens to Jacksonville to provide for them financially, emotionally and bring more stability in their lives.”
As Daughtry 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 I am a role model for both of my nieces, Jadah and Destiny,” said Daughtry. “It also gives my family a sense of pride seeing how I am succeeding in life.”
Daughtry is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mentor, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Luis Gonzalez, currently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and my best friends in New York, Chris and St. Clair, for their continued support and motivation,” added Daughtry.