Seaman Alessandro Chiarello, a native of Yonkers, New York, is serving aboard USS Chung-Hoon, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A 2019 graduate of Yonkers Montessori Academy, Chiarello joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country, learn new skills, travel and meet new people,” said Chiarello.
Today, Chiarello relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Yonkers to succeed in the military.
“New York is a melting pot, and I had the chance to work with people from all walks of life while living there,” said Chiarello. “Being that the military is very diverse as well, this has helped me be successful in my time in the Navy.”
Chung-Hoon is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multimission 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.
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 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.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we patrol and operate in waters around the world, ensuring freedom of navigation laws are being followed,” said Chiarello.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” said Chiarello. “I love my country and I don”™t regret my decision to join one bit. I”™m proud of what I have become.”
