MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Griffin, a native of Danville, Virginia, serving aboard USS Nantucket, will take part in a visit to Nantucket, Massachusetts, the ship’s namesake island, from Aug. 6-10.
During the visit, sailors will strengthen relationships with the local community by participating in a variety of community relations events. Some of the events will include visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Sailors are also scheduled to take a historical walking tour of the island, participate in a beach cleanup and visit Nantucket VFW Post 8608.
Griffin graduated from George Washington High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Danville.
“While in high school, I was a part of Navy Junior ROTC, which led me to join the Navy,” Griffin said. “It set the foundation for my naval career.”
Griffin joined the Navy 10 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel to new places and learn new experiences,” Griffin said.
Today, Griffin serves as a gunner’s mate.
“I enjoy being a gunner’s mate,” Griffin said. “It’s rewarding to train sailors in proper weapon safety.”
USS Nantucket is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake, dating back to 1863 when the first USS Nantucket, a Passaic-class single-turret monitor, was commissioned. The Passaic-class Nantucket supported the U.S. Navy’s South Atlantic Blockade and played a critical role during the Civil War. Manned by a crew of 86 officers and enlisted sailors, the newest USS Nantucket was commissioned in 2024 in Boston.
A littoral combat ship, USS Nantucket is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.
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.
Griffin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are helping others advance and learning more about being a gunner’s mate,” Griffin said.
Griffin 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 means being able to make a better life than I had growing up while helping others,” Griffin said.
Griffin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
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. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/