MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicolas Quidachay, a native of Radcliff, Kentucky, 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 |
Quidachay, a 2018 graduate of North Hardin High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy to provide for my wife and family,” said Quidachay. "The Navy has helped provide healthcare, financial security and opportunities for the ones that I love."
Today, Quidachay relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Radcliff to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned respect, leadership and the importance of understanding that we all come from different backgrounds,” said Quidachay. "Those qualities have helped me be more understanding and patient when working with people in different places."
These lessons have helped Quidachay 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 Quidachay 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 U.S. Navy stands ready whenever it's called on,” said Quidachay. "We are a world power that is vital to world peace through security, battle readiness and being a deterrent to those who seek to do us harm."
Quidachay and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of advancing to the rank of petty officer second class,” said Quidachay. "There was a lot of hard work, perseverance and dedication that went into that accomplishment."
As Quidachay 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 is a very fulfilling experience,” said Quidachay. "In the Navy, you are forced to work with a diverse group of people which creates a bond with a variety of people from different ethnicities.”
Quidachay is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife and the sailors who I work with,” added Quidachay. "They are constantly pushing me to be the best that I can be, and show me the right way to do things both personally and professionally."