MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryce Sweigart, a native of Mesa, Arizona, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, 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 |
Sweigart, a 2020 graduate of Desert Ridge High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because my dad and brother both served,” said Sweigart. "My dad was in the Navy for four years and my brother, Rylan, is stationed aboard USS Charlotte."
Today, Sweigart relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Mesa to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Mesa to wake up every day and give one hundred percent,” said Sweigart. "If I try my best and get qualified, I'm helping my ship and myself."
These lessons have helped Sweigart while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 Sweigart 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 biggest threat right now in my opinion is a sea battle,” said Sweigart. "We are the strongest Navy in the world and support national defense by protecting our country."
Sweigart and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud to just be on the ship,” said Sweigart. "I'm new here, but I'm doing all that I can to help out my shipmates."
As Sweigart and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I enjoy serving knowing I'm protecting this country,” said Sweigart. "It feels good that I can keep people safe."
Sweigart is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my dad and my brother,” said Sweigart. "They are the reason I joined in the first place."