MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class David Winiarski, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, serves in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Station Mayport in Florida.
Winiarski graduated from White County High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cleveland.
“I learned a lot of my work ethic from home,” Winiarski said. “Having a good work ethic helped me lead from the front.”
Winiarski joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Winiarski serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy out of my family tradition,” Winiarski said. “My dad and uncle both served and retired from the Navy. Joining for me just felt right.”
Naval Station Mayport is one of the largest naval ports on the East Coast. It has a harbor capable of accommodating 34 ships and an 8,000-foot runway able to support any type of aircraft in the Department of War inventory. The base also serves as the headquarters for the 4th Fleet, which oversees U.S. Naval operations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
The mission of Naval Station Mayport is to “Sustain and Enhance Warfighter Readiness,” providing the “Finest service to the Finest fleet.”
“Our sailors are the backbone of everything we do,” said Capt. Mike Trumbull, commanding officer of Naval Station Mayport. “Their dedication, resilience, and readiness ensure our Fleet remains continuously mission-capable. At Naval Station Mayport, mission readiness starts with taking care of our people. Every service we provide, from housing to quality-of-life programs, supports that critical effort.”
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.
Winiarski has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far has been repairing the ship’s air conditioning unit,” Winiarski said. “I had to fully replace the whole compressor, which was a very involved repair job that took four days to complete.”
Winiarski serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It means I can have a positive outreach to the sailors I work with,” Winiarski said. “I enjoy promoting the Navy to people who are unsure of what they would like to do with their lives.”
Winiarski is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife and my parents,” Winiarski said. “My dad gave me a lot of guidance throughout my career thus far and taught me how to navigate niceties in Navy culture.”
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/