Decatur native recently participated in Fleet Week New York

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Chief Petty Officer Brad McKay, a native of Decatur, Georgia, recently participated in Fleet Week New York.

Through a series of outreach events, Fleet Week New York gives citizens an opportunity to interact with sailors and learn more about the Navy. This year's events included ship tours, dive tank demonstrations, band performances, a ship parade, and participation from NATO allies Great Britain, Italy and Canada.

McKay joined the Navy 19 years ago and today serves as an interior communications electrician aboard USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship that supports U.S. Marines in combat and provides disaster relief and medical support to those in need.

USS Wasp was one of the ships offering free public tours during Fleet Week New York.

“I joined the Navy to see the world and to receive further education useful for a more successful future in the civilian sector,” said McKay.

Growing up in Decatur, McKay attended Columbia High School and graduated in 2003. Mckay also earned an associate degree from Thomas Edison State College in 2017.

Skills and values similar to those found in Decatur are similar to those required to succeed in the military.

“Decatur taught me hard work, hospitality and how to treat everyone with respect from top to bottom,” said McKay.

McKay and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest accomplishments in the Navy are having the opportunity to guide all of my sailors and to higher ranks, furthering my education, becoming financially literate and being promoted to the rank of chief petty officer,” said McKay.

As McKay and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving the Navy means to me continuous selflessness and commitment to this nation,” added McKay. “The challenges I have faced while deployed are worth the peace of mind knowing my mother, family and friends can live their lives and are safe from our adversaries. The sacrifices of missing weddings, graduations and reunions are paid by those I care about most. That gives this service more meaning to me knowing that my sacrifices have paved the way for so many to have the opportunities that many around the world do not.”

For Full Story: https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2023/06/dacula-native-recently-participated-in.html