MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Seaman Apprentice Geliyah Moore, a native of Edwards, Mississippi, serves aboard U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Guantanamo Bay at U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Moore graduated from Raymond High School in 2023. Moore is pursuing an associate degree in supply chain management at American Public University and is set to graduate in April 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Edwards.
“Humility was instilled in me early on,” said Moore. “My parents and community taught me that no matter how much you achieve, there’s always room to improve. That humility helped me keep learning, keep growing and stay open to feedback throughout my military career. These values became the foundation for how I approached service, teamwork and leadership in the Navy.”
Moore joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Moore serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy right after high school to build a stable future for myself and support my family,” said Moore. “My goal was to be able to help and provide for my family back home and to pursue my education. My father encouraged me to take this path, and I am now proud to be the first woman in my family to serve in the military and the first in the family to join the U.S. Navy.”
Naval Hospital 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.
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.
Moore 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.”
Moore has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy so far has been completing boot camp and earning my title as a sailor,” said Moore. “It might sound simple but, for me, it was a huge personal victory. Boot camp was intense, both mentally and physically, and it pushed me harder than I ever expected. There were days when I doubted myself and wondered if I had what it took to make it. But I learned to dig deep, trust my training and rely on my fellow recruits.
Moore said graduation at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes filled them with pride.
“Standing at the graduation ceremony, knowing that I’d earned the right to wear the uniform and be part of something bigger than myself, was an incredible feeling,” said Moore. “Even though I’m just starting my journey as an E-2, I carry that pride with me every day. It reminds me of what I’m capable of and pushes me to keep striving to become a stronger, better sailor.”
“Standing at the graduation ceremony, knowing that I’d earned the right to wear the uniform and be part of something bigger than myself, was an incredible feeling,” said Moore. “Even though I’m just starting my journey as an E-2, I carry that pride with me every day. It reminds me of what I’m capable of and pushes me to keep striving to become a stronger, better sailor.”
Moore can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” said Moore. “It’s about being part of something bigger than myself and committing to protect and serve my country. Every day, I get to be part of a tradition that goes back generations, standing alongside people who share the same dedication and values. But it’s also personal.”
Moore said serving in the Navy gives them the chance to make their family proud.
“Knowing that my parents, siblings, and friends see me in this uniform and feel that pride means everything to me,” added Moore. “I’m not just serving for myself; I’m serving for them, too. They’ve supported me every step of the way, and being able to give back to them in this way motivates me to push forward and give it my all.
“In the end, being in the Navy isn’t just a job. It’s an honor and a responsibility, and it’s something that shapes who I am and who I want to become.”
Moore is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my dad, who has been there every step of the way,” said Moore. “From the moment I first considered joining the Navy, he was the one who helped me think it through and made sure I was making the right decision for myself. During boot camp, he sent me letters of encouragement that kept me going when things got tough. And now, even though I’m miles away from home, he makes sure to call me whenever he can, reminding me every day how proud he is of me. His support means the world to me, and there isn’t a day that goes by when he doesn’t find a way to keep me motivated. I honestly couldn’t have made it this far without him, and I’m grateful to have such a strong, constant source of encouragement in my life.
“Thanks, Dad, for everything.”