VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Darryl Eatontaylor, a native of Yonkers, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Eatontaylor graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2006.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Yonkers.
“When I was finishing high school, I always wanted freedom,” Eatontaylor said. "I worked my way through college and life and learned how to function by myself and as a leader. It translated really well to Navy life, and I realized I was a leader before I was even given the opportunity."
Eatontaylor joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Eatontaylor serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined because I wanted better career opportunities,” Eatontaylor said. "But above all, I wanted to serve."
ACU-2 is a dynamic naval unit that operates utility boats and mechanized and utility landing craft. Considered the workhorse of the amphibious fleet, ACU-2 enables ship-to-shore movement with its connectors. The unit’s craft have operated in the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea, supporting virtually every amphibious exercise or contingency operation in those waters since 1960.
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.
Eatontaylor has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My personal proudest accomplishment within the Navy is being able to finish schooling,” Eatontaylor said. "I've gained two degrees within the Navy, and I'm currently working on a third. Additionally, I was able to give my GI Bill to my kids."
Eatontaylor 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 to me means being part of a team and being able to serve a greater purpose than just for yourself,” Eatontaylor said. "Being a part of the world's strongest Navy also makes me feel incredibly proud."
Eatontaylor is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd love to thank my wonderful wife, Candyce Taylor,” Eatontaylor said. "She's been my rock through many hardships. She's always been able to give me advice, especially out-of-the box thinking that gives me a different perspective."
“Additionally, I want to thank Ms. Regina Zarrelli who helped me become a level two victim advocate,” Eatontaylor said. "I'm one of only ten people in the nation to be level two, and it's amazing to be able to help Sailors in that regard."