Tódinéeshzhee’ sailor serves aboard Navy submarine
Courtesy | Seaman Diamond Kyles, mass communication specialist
Aaron Alcott of Kayenta is serving aboard USS Henry M. Jackson.
SILVERDALE, Wash.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Alcott of Tódinéeshzhee’, a 2023 Monument Valley High School graduate, is serving as a torpedoman’s mate aboard the USS Henry M. Jackson, an Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine.
Alcott joined the Navy two years ago and is among a small percentage of Navy personnel who volunteer for submarine duty.
“My hometown taught me to be responsible and self-motivated,” Alcott said. “When you are internally motivated, it helps you in the Navy because there are a lot of qualifications you are responsible for. My self-motivation allowed me to get qualified for submarines and different watch stations faster than most.”
His younger siblings were also part of his decision to enlist.
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself and see the world, but my biggest motivation was back home,” Alcott said. “I wanted to be a role model for my younger siblings and show them that stepping out of your comfort zone is how you get better.”
The Henry M. Jackson, designated SSBN 730, was commissioned in 1984 and is one of the Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines. Ballistic-missile submarines conduct strategic deterrent patrols, according to Navy officials.
“My proudest accomplishment is helping the boat transition from the old M9 service pistol to the new M18 service pistol,” Alcott said. “I am proud that we were able to do this transition without any errors.
“Serving in the Navy tests my limits and pushes me further than I thought possible,” Alcott added. “The Navy has given me a sense of purpose and the strength to push through my boundaries every day.”
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