SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Civitelli, a native of Cypress, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Civitelli graduated from Cypress High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cypress.
“Growing up, my dad and grandparents always pushed me to work my hardest at everything I do,” Civitelli said. “After working several jobs and moving out of my house when I was 19, I had to learn to provide for myself and realized nothing in life was going to be handed to me. It really helped me in the Navy because I developed a good work ethic, and now I work to provide the best I can for whoever I’m working for.
“The Navy gave me a purpose. We’re one team here, and we have each other’s backs. I’m going to look out for my guys the same way they look out for me.”
Civitelli joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Civitelli serves as an information systems technician.
“My dad, Matthew, inspired me to join the Navy,” Civitelli said. “He served for four years as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Anchorage and always suggested I join. I wanted to make him proud. I wanted a job that would teach me skills that would benefit me when I leave the Navy.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Among the largest warships in the world, Theodore Roosevelt is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
“This aircraft carrier is one of the most powerful warships in the world, but it is our sailors that give the U.S. Navy our warfighting advantage,” said Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “For over 250 years, sailors have built the foundation of our readiness and resolve, enabled us to keep America safe and ensured the U.S. Navy remains the strongest and most capable maritime force in the world.”
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
Civitelli has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“The accomplishment I am most proud of is becoming the leading petty officer of my shop,” Civitelli said. “It taught me how to become a better sailor as well as a better leader, and it gave me the chance to grow as an individual. I could not have succeeded without the help of my leaders, as well as having such an amazing group of junior sailors.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Civitelli said. “I find such a sense of pride knowing I am serving my country and loved ones back home. It has helped me find my purpose in life.”
Civitelli is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, grandparents and the sailors I have been fortunate enough to serve alongside while serving aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt,” Civitelli said.