MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Jacob Abeyta, serving aboard USS Nantucket, recently completed a visit to the ship’s namesake island June 18-22. Abeyta’s parents reside in Auburn, Alabama.
During the four-day visit to Nantucket, Massachusetts, sailors strengthened relationships with the local community and the ship’s commissioning committee by participating in a variety of community relations events. Some of the events included visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Sailors also took a historical walking tour of the island and had a community reception at the Great Harbor Yacht Club.
Abeyta earned a bachelor’s degree in operations research from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Auburn.
“I grew up seeing the balance of my dad as a strong and passionate leader, while my mom exemplified compassion, boldness, and grace,” Abeyta said. “I have done my best to follow in my dad’s footsteps while learning from the role model my mother is.”
Abeyta joined the Navy four years ago.
“I come from a long line of military service to include World War I, World War II (both theaters), Korea, Vietnam, Bay of Pigs, and Desert Storm,” Abeyta said. “Growing up near Fort Benning, I was friends with the kids of many servicemembers. Growing up, I always knew I would serve. With most of my family in the Army or the Air Force, like my dad, I decided to go a different route of service.”
USS Nantucket is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake, dating back to 1863 when the first USS Nantucket, a Passaic-class single-turret monitor, was commissioned. The Passaic-class Nantucket supported the U.S. Navy’s South Atlantic Blockade and played a critical role during the Civil War.
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.
Abeyta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is the number of times my former sailors have reached out to me since we parted ways,” Abeyta said. “It’s a good feeling to know that my sailors remember me and still want to stay in touch. I am also proud of the words that my peers and captain shared when I left the USS Jason Dunham.”
Abeyta serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means continually learning to be a better leader, learner, protector, problem-solver, time-manager, networker and follower all at the same time,” Abeyta said. “It gives me opportunities to learn in ways I would never experience in another environment. It means a chance to give back to the country that has provided endless opportunities for myself and those I love.”
Abeyta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank both my parents for their endless love and encouragement through my most difficult chapters,” Abeyta said.