Liberia: Sailor from Liberia Participates in Fleet Week New York

Editor's Note: This article was originally written by Navy Office of Community Outreach, a media outreach blog that collects Sailors’ stories and distribute them to their hometown media.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Master Chief Petty Officer Hawa Prudence Riley, a sailor from Monrovia, Liberia, 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.

Riley joined the Navy 28 years ago and today serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate aboard USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship that supports U.S. Marines in combat and provide 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 continue going to school and to travel and see the world,” said Riley. “I’ve also learned discipline, leadership and endless knowledge.”

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

“Growing up, the phrase “respect your elders in Liberia” translates for me; respect for rank regardless of age, gender or race,” said Riley.

These lessons have helped Riley while serving in the Navy.

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

“My proudest accomplishment is advancing in rank to E-9; the highest of the enlisted rank,” said Riley.

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

“Serving in the Navy means I’m a part of an organization that is bigger than anything I will ever get an opportunity to be a part of,” added Riley.