SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Connor Benvie, a native of Somersworth, New Hampshire, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Rollo, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Benvie graduated from Somersworth High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Somersworth.
“Growing up, I saw how hard my mother worked to provide for me,” Benvie said. “It taught me the importance of hard work so that I’m able to provide for my family.”
Benvie joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Benvie serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to pursue a job that filled me with a sense of purpose,” Benvie said.
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.
Benvie has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of joining the Navy,” Benvie said. “It provides everything my family and I need, and so much more.”
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 protecting the family I love while also knowing the sacrifices I make are worth something,” Benvie said.
Benvie is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my papa, Bruce Benvie, my grandmother, Barbara Benvie, my mother, Samantha Daglis, and my father, Shawn Benvie, for making me the man I am today,” Benvie said.