MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Prethum Michael, a native of Orange Park, Florida, recently reenlisted in the U.S. Navy. During the ceremony, Michael also earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for their time serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Guantanamo Bay.
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| Petty Officer 2nd Class Prethum Michael (left) is presented with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal |
Michael, a 2015 Oakleaf High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
"My sister joined the Navy and she has always been my inspiration," said Michael. "She encouraged me to join and here I am, seven years later, still trying to catch up to her."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orange Park.
"I was always taught by my mother that if I am going to do a job to always give it 100%, and see it through until the end," said Michael. "I intend to give my best and see my career through to the end in the Navy."
Today, Michael serves as a logistics specialist responsible for ordering, receiving, and issuing materials, operating Navy post offices and preparing records.
NMRTC Guantanamo Bay provides health care to the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community which consists of approximately 4,500 military members, federal employees, U.S. and foreign national contractors and their families. The hospital also operates the only overseas military home health care facility providing care to elderly Special Category Residents who sought asylum on the installation during the Cuban Revolution.
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| Petty Officer 2nd Class Prethum Michael (left) reviews reenlistment paperwork |
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Michael serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world, and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Michael has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Completing my first deployment was my proudest accomplishment," said Michael. "It had tested me beyond limits that I didn't even know that I had."
As Michael and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
"Serving in the Navy represents the first commitment that I ever voluntarily made," added Michael. "This commitment has given me the best friends I've ever made and the richest experiences I will never forget."