MAYPORT, Fla. - Ensign David Miccoli, a native of Ludlow, Massachusetts, 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 |
Miccoli, a 2017 graduate of Loomis Chaffee High School, joined the Navy one year ago. Additionally, Miccoli graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2022.
“I had two brothers who served in the military and I felt like this was the best path for me to go to pursue hard work, learn discipline, and have a good overall life experience,” said Miccoli.
Today, Miccoli relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Ludlow to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned that where you start, doesn't necessarily mean that's where you finish,” said Miccoli. “Coming from a blue-collar background, going to college and playing golf wasn't really in the cards at first, but through my parent's perseverance and sacrifice, I was able to be where I am today and I still apply that same concept to my life every day.”
These lessons have helped Miccoli 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 Miccoli 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 projects freedom and democracy throughout the world through a presence by providing support to land, air and sea,” said Miccoli.
Miccoli and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being a part of the men's U.S. Naval Academy golf team to beat the U.S. Army’s golf team for the first time in five years, and additionally, being a part of the senior class that has the most single-season wins against Army,” said Miccoli. “It demonstrates the leadership from our class and what we exemplified for our junior class to follow.”
As Miccoli 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 that my children can have the same freedoms and privileges I had growing up,” said Miccoli.
Miccoli is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Peter and Tammy, my siblings, and teammates on my Naval Academy golf team for their support and guidance throughout the last five years,” said Miccoli.
“Without the opportunities provided by my naval service, I wouldn't be the man I am today,” added Miccoli. “I want to pass on this experience to my future family.”