SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominic Delahunt, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, 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 |
Delahunt graduated from Windsor High School in 2021.
Raised in a military family, Delahunt moved often and learned some of the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy while living in Suffolk.
“Moving around a lot was stressful as a military family,” Delahunt said. “But I learned that home isn’t where you’re at, it’s where your heart is and where you call family.”
Delahunt joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Delahunt serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy because both my parents were in the Navy,” Delahunt said. “My mom served a full 22 years, and my dad served 11 years. I figured the Navy would help me mature and would offer a career.”
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.
Delahunt has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of advancing in rank to petty officer second class before I hit my three-year mark,” Delahunt said. “Early in my career, I made mistakes that put me in adverse conditions, preventing me from being promoted to third class, so overcoming that and promoting to second class means a lot.”
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,” Delahunt said. “I get to relive my parents’ past and do better by them. Every now and then, I get to call home and share my experiences with them. It changed who I was, from the person I was when I joined at 18 years old to 22-year-old me.”
Delahunt is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gomez and Master Chief Operations Specialist Sewell,” Delahunt said. “My parents’ amazing service gave me a stepping stone to joining the Navy. Chief Gomez fought for me when I was messing up. Master Chief Sewell showed faith that I would recover from my mistakes and grow from them.”
Delahunt offered encouragement for those looking for a path forward.
“If you’re afraid to grow up and afraid to take the next step,” Delahunt said. “Try the Navy. It has worked for millions of people, and it may work for you too.”
“Moving around a lot was stressful as a military family,” Delahunt said. “But I learned that home isn’t where you’re at, it’s where your heart is and where you call family.”
Delahunt joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Delahunt serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy because both my parents were in the Navy,” Delahunt said. “My mom served a full 22 years, and my dad served 11 years. I figured the Navy would help me mature and would offer a career.”
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.
Delahunt has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of advancing in rank to petty officer second class before I hit my three-year mark,” Delahunt said. “Early in my career, I made mistakes that put me in adverse conditions, preventing me from being promoted to third class, so overcoming that and promoting to second class means a lot.”
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,” Delahunt said. “I get to relive my parents’ past and do better by them. Every now and then, I get to call home and share my experiences with them. It changed who I was, from the person I was when I joined at 18 years old to 22-year-old me.”
Delahunt is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gomez and Master Chief Operations Specialist Sewell,” Delahunt said. “My parents’ amazing service gave me a stepping stone to joining the Navy. Chief Gomez fought for me when I was messing up. Master Chief Sewell showed faith that I would recover from my mistakes and grow from them.”
Delahunt offered encouragement for those looking for a path forward.
“If you’re afraid to grow up and afraid to take the next step,” Delahunt said. “Try the Navy. It has worked for millions of people, and it may work for you too.”