Middleton native serves aboard U.S. Navy warship in Pearl Harbor
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – Lt. j.g. Andrew Peary, a native of Middleton, Massachusetts, is serving aboard USS Wayne E. Meyer, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Peary, a 2016 graduate of Masconomet Regional High School and a 2020 graduate of Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I always wanted to serve my country,” said Peary. “I want to follow in the footsteps of my family by serving others. I come from a family of veterans and civil service members, and I want to follow their inspiration of helping others and selfless service.”
Today, Peary relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Middleton to succeed in the military.
“One thing my grandfather told me was to “Never be average,”’ said Peary. “I’ve used that during my time in the Navy and it has helped me to succeed and become who I am today.”
These lessons have helped Peary while serving in the Navy.
Wayne E. Meyer is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Wayne E. Meyer. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Peary is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy maintains a maritime presence around the globe to defend against foreign and domestic threats to our national security, freedoms and liberties,” said Peary. “We exercise strategic deterrence in order to be ready to dominate near-peer adversaries if the nation goes to war.”
Peary and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to work and lead sailors to be the best they can be in both their personal and professional lives,” said Peary. “As lead of Deck Division, we were able to develop the most successful division on the ship during our deployment.”
As Peary and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means I am able to serve my country and defend freedoms and liberties as it is,” said Peary. “I’m able to have an impact on the future of the country and influence the sailors I have an opportunity to lead. Being able to do my part in maintaining the greatest country in the world keeps me motivated and excited to serve.”
Peary is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, my brothers and my girlfriend for supporting and helping me through my Navy career,” added Peary.
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