O'Neill native serves aboard future Navy warship

Chief Petty Officer Michael Harvey, a native of O'Neill, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier currently under construction in Newport News, Virginia.

PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.

Harvey, a 2009 graduate of St. Mary's High School, joined the Navy 15 years ago.

"I was originally going to go to college but shifted my choice due to all of the benefits and pride of serving," said Harvey. "My paternal grandfather served in the Navy and my maternal grandfather served in the Army. I joined the Navy to see the world and follow in my grandparents' footsteps knowing they and my parents would be proud of me."

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the O'Neill area.

"The values, ethics and respect that I learned growing up have definitely stayed with me throughout my time in the Navy," said Harvey. "They have been there to guide me throughout my career so far and have helped me succeed."

Today, Harvey serves as an engineman responsible for controlling the operation of diesel engines used for ship propulsion, electrical power generation and other services.

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America's Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.

Aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world's ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier's speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.

This is the second aircraft carrier to honor President John F. Kennedy for a lifetime of service to the nation. The first USS John F. Kennedy, a CV 67 aircraft carrier, served the fleet for more than 50 years before decommissioning in 2007. John F. Kennedy wore the nation's uniform as a Navy lieutenant during World War II before serving as the 35th president of the United States from January 1961 to November 1963.

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.

Harvey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."

Harvey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

"Making chief petty officer has definitely been my proudest moment so far," said Harvey. "Also, seeing the sailors I've trained succeed and knowing our work has enabled Navy ships to get underway and protect the nation."

Harvey can take pride in serving America through military service.

"Serving in the Navy means so much to me," said Harvey. "It gives me that sense of purpose knowing what I do matters a lot. The patriotism and support I see and get myself is a rewarding experience even though we sacrifice a lot."

Harvey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

"I want to thank my mom, my dad, my brothers, sisters and all my family and friends back in Nebraska," added Harvey. "There's too many to list but also to all of those that have been there along the way including those all around the country and world that have had an impact on me throughout the last 15-plus years."

During Harvey's illustrious career, he has received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a NATO medal and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist insignia along with various unit awards. Additionally, Harvey has been on three deployments while serving aboard USS Mesa Verde and USS Abraham Lincoln.