SAN DIEGO - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aeryk Church, a native of Birdsnest, Virginia, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Church graduated from Northampton High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Marine Corps are similar to those found in Birdsnest.
“The best lesson I learned growing up was that no matter what I do in life, to always do the best at it,” Church said. “If I was going to be a trash man, I was going to be the best trash man. That advice came from my grandmother who raised and I still live by it to this day.”
Church joined the Marine Corps 15 years ago.
“I joined the Marines because I needed a challenge and I felt like college was not the best route for me right out of high school,” Church said. “My other brother left to join the military also and I saw a man when he came back. His uniform was crisp, and how he presented himself was crisp, and I wanted that for myself; so I joined the Marines.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Church has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming an officer because I've literally been able to change people's lives,” Church said. “My words and actions to a Marine or sailor can be life-altering. Also, growing up the way I did, I'm able to help other sailors who have had similar upbringings. I didn’t get to where I am without the help of others, so seeing the potential in others and being able to do something about it as an officer is one of the greatest gifts.”
Church serves a Marine Corps that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Marine Corps exemplifies what it truly means to put others before yourself,” Church said. “Only 1% of the population serves and we are doing it for the 99% who don’t. Even though that 99% doesn’t have any idea what we do, I am honored to protect and defend their freedoms.”
Church is grateful to others for helping make a Marine Corps career possible.
“Family is the most important thing to me,” Church added. “Family gets thrown around a lot in the military but I've truly felt that the mentors, leaders and friends I've met throughout this journey have all been instrumental in making me who I am today. There are too many to name individually but if you are in contact with me and you know about my journey and my family then we are locked in.”