SAN DIEGO (Aug. 29, 2023) – Chief Petty Officer Gregory Pietlock, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
Pietlock joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Pietlock serves as a fire controlman aboard USS Makin Island.
“I joined the Navy after dropping out of college,” said Pietlock. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in life. I learned the hard way that going to college to try to find out what you want to do as a career is a painful way to waste money and time. I spoke with my grandparents about options and they encouraged me to try the Navy in the meantime. Both of my grandparents and my father served in the Navy, and all were successful in life. I decided to take a leap of faith and I have absolutely no regrets about joining. I have chosen the Navy as my full-time career.”
Pietlock grew up in Norfolk and is a 2009 graduate of Forest Park High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Norfolk.
“The lesson I learned from my hometown is that hard work and being successful are very rewarding when you are doing something you genuinely enjoy,” said Pietlock.
These lessons have helped Pietlock while serving aboard Makin Island.
Makin Island is an amphibious assault ship. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Pietlock is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense in several different ways, each unique to the mission and priorities we have at the time,” said Pietlock. “That could mean assisting other nations with natural disaster relief events, ensuring the safety of navigation in international waters or just being that show of force to help deter those we consider adversaries.”
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.
Pietlock and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest achievement is becoming a chief petty officer,” said Pietlock. “I’m able to guide other sailors in achieving their dreams while making a positive impact on their lives.”
As Pietlock and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means several different things to me,” said Pietlock. “I get to enjoy a rewarding career while ensuring I am set up for retirement. I get to serve the greatest country in the world and be a part of history. I’m able to help others achieve success, whether that is outside or inside the Navy. The list goes on and on, but being in the Navy means a lot to me and I look forward to my future as a part of it.”
Pietlock is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family, friends and mentors for assisting me on the journey of my career and for being there for me in all the good and bad times,” added Pietlock.
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach