MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Grove, a native of York, Pennsylvania, 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 |
Grove, a 2019 graduate of Dallastown Area High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for educational opportunities and to serve my country,” said Grove. "The Navy has given me the opportunity to better myself through education and the opportunity to follow in my grandfather's footsteps of military service."
Today, Grove relies upon skills and values similar to those found in York to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work and always doing your best,” said Grove. "Those values create a really good work ethic and create a good character."
These lessons have helped Grove 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 Grove 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 maintains safety on the world's oceans,” said Grove. "We protect trade routes and keep the waterways clear for free trade."
Grove and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of advancing in rank to petty officer third class because it was a big checkpoint in my career,” said Grove. "It was a testament to my dedication, hard work and character."
As Grove 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 defending your country by signing a blank check knowing that at any point you could pay the ultimate sacrifice,” said Grove. "When I put my uniform on in the morning it makes me proud knowing I am doing my part."
Grove is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for helping me through some of the toughest times in my life,” added Grove. "They have shown me a ton of support and anytime I need someone to talk to there has always been someone there."