SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Mohamed Salaheldin, a native of Queens, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
Salaheldin graduated from Charters Valley High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Queens.
“Growing up in New York City, I have always seen the hustle and bustle of the city,” Salaheldin said. “Most people are just trying to survive, working at least 10 hours a day. The fast-paced environment of the city stays with me today, and it reminds me to stay busy. That is what inspired my work ethic, and it translated well in the Navy.”
Salaheldin joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Salaheldin serves as an aviation support equipment technician.
“At the time, I felt joining the Navy was the best opportunity for me,” Salaheldin said. “I met some people who did a tour in the Navy, and they told me a lot about it. What inspired me to join was that I knew it’d take me out of my comfort zone and make me a better person.”
Makin Island plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults.
This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe. Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Makin Island’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
Salaheldin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come personally and professionally,” Salaheldin said.
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 has been one of the greatest opportunities,” Salaheldin said. “Right now, it’s a huge part of my life. It means a lot and gives me the ability to provide for my family. It allows me to serve the country and help others.”
Salaheldin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my leaders and shipmates, but most importantly, I want to thank my wife,” Salaheldin said. “My wife encourages me to do my best and takes care of our daughter and things at home while I’m out here.”
Salaheldin offered encouragement to those in need of a boost of positivity.
“My advice is to do the best at whatever you’re doing in life,” Salaheldin said. “For anyone who is having a hard time: don’t quit, it gets better.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Rollo, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Salaheldin graduated from Charters Valley High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Queens.
“Growing up in New York City, I have always seen the hustle and bustle of the city,” Salaheldin said. “Most people are just trying to survive, working at least 10 hours a day. The fast-paced environment of the city stays with me today, and it reminds me to stay busy. That is what inspired my work ethic, and it translated well in the Navy.”
Salaheldin joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Salaheldin serves as an aviation support equipment technician.
“At the time, I felt joining the Navy was the best opportunity for me,” Salaheldin said. “I met some people who did a tour in the Navy, and they told me a lot about it. What inspired me to join was that I knew it’d take me out of my comfort zone and make me a better person.”
Makin Island plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults.
This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe. Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Makin Island’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
Salaheldin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come personally and professionally,” Salaheldin said.
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 has been one of the greatest opportunities,” Salaheldin said. “Right now, it’s a huge part of my life. It means a lot and gives me the ability to provide for my family. It allows me to serve the country and help others.”
Salaheldin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my leaders and shipmates, but most importantly, I want to thank my wife,” Salaheldin said. “My wife encourages me to do my best and takes care of our daughter and things at home while I’m out here.”
Salaheldin offered encouragement to those in need of a boost of positivity.
“My advice is to do the best at whatever you’re doing in life,” Salaheldin said. “For anyone who is having a hard time: don’t quit, it gets better.”