MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Aidan Harding, a native of Saint Albans, Maine, 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 |
Harding, a 2019 graduate of Nokomis Regional High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“Serving is in my family's history,” said Harding. "My father, uncle and grandfather all served in the military."
Today, Harding relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Saint Albans to succeed in the military.
“I learned that hard work will take you far in life,” said Harding. "Having a good work ethic seems to have benefited me in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Harding 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 Harding 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 all around the world,” said Harding. "The Navy works on the water and the world is mostly water."
Harding and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being successful at my job,” said Harding. "I fixed a piece of equipment that allowed the ship to get underway."
As Harding and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I enjoy coming together with people I probably would have never met,” said Harding. "I've made some very good friends here on Dunham."
Harding is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank two of my coworkers,” added Harding. "Petty Officers 1st Class Jacob Barczyk and Craig Burnbeck, taught me everything about my job here."