U.S. Navy Lt. Donte Brackett, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, educates a local patient on diet and nutrition at the Peleliu health center in Peleliu, Palau, during Pacific Partnership 2024-1 Dec. 26, 2023.
Hopper is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Musician 1st Class William Ledbetter, from Hampton, Va., performs with the U.S. Navy Band Commodores during a repertoire reading session at the Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference in Chicago.
Logistics Specialist 1st Class Ferdinand Poquiz, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, moves cargo from an aircraft elevator into the hangar bay of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship, USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), in the Philippine Sea.
McKoy graduated in 2009 from Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. McKoy also earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Norfolk State University while on deployment in 2020. “Growing up, I learned the value of being able to fit in wherever I go,” said McKoy. “Being open to learning other people’s backgrounds, being able to lead and be led, being able to guide people and be humble are all things I’ve carried with me.”
Scott serves as a hospital corpsman. “Southern hospitality has helped me succeed,” said Scott. “Learning humility and coming from humble beginnings has served me well in the military.”
Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Ivan Barlow, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, removes a protective film from a new oven aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during the ship’s maintenance availability.
Musician 1st Class Haley Stiltner, from Windsor, Va., performs with the U.S. Navy Band Country Current in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the unit’s creation.
“I would like to thank my dad, Senior Chief Howard Williams, and my mom, Chief Warrant Officer Lssette Williams, for making me feel secure enough to continue in my Naval career,” said Williams. “There were times when I first got in the Navy when I wanted to give up. They encouraged me to keep going and that they understood my difficulties. I would also like to thank HSC-3 for being there for me and not kicking me to the rocks when things got tough. I had a hard time, but things got better. “
“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.”
