Parsippany Native Serves in Pearl Harbor
Parsippany Native Serves in Pearl Harbor
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By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR –A Parsippany, New Jersey, native and 2004 Parsippany High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.
Petty Officer 1st Class Frank Mulvaney, a yeoman, is serving where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters is located.
As a yeoman, Mulvaney is responsible for general administrative oversight, budget planning and personnel security.
“Growing up I learned accountability, which helps me keep everything together and work to a certain standard while serving in the Navy,” said Mulvaney.
According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Mulvaney is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
“Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter,” said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility’s flag pole, the First Navy Jack, ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
Mulvaney has military ties with family members who have previously served, and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather and my uncle served in the Army,” said Mulvaney. “I hope that I make them proud by continuing to serve in the military.”
Mulvaney’s proudest accomplishment was earning four Navy Achievement Medals.
“It is humbling to earn those medals because I don’t feel like I need to be recognized for doing what is expected of me,” said Mulvaney.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mulvaney and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“For me, serving is an honor and an opportunity to give back, and have a purpose in society,” added Mulvaney.
