Warner Robins Native Serves Aboard U.S. Navy Warship Participating In Training Exercise In Atlantic Ocean
by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Malloy
Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Malloy, a native of Warner Robins, Georgia, is serving aboard USS Mason a U.S. Navy warship, currently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean participating in the Carrier Strike Group Four Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test its ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
Malloy graduated Houston County High School in 2013 and in 2022 earned a degree from National University. Malloy joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I wanted to be able to serve, much like my father before me,” said Malloy. “I also wanted to travel and see the world. So far it’s been going well, I’ve been to Civitavecchia, Florence, Venice, Italy; Koper, Slovenia; Limassol, Cyprus; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai; Lisbon, Portugal.”
Malloy relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Warner Robins to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to be kind to everyone because you never know what’s going on behind the curtain,” said Malloy. “Southern hospitality can reach all ends of the world. Never forget where you come from.”
These lessons have helped Malloy while serving in the Navy.
Today, Malloy serves as a sonar technician aboard USS Mason.
“We search for and track submarines using the sonar system onboard our Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer,” said Malloy. “We are also trained to perform the maintenance on and if needed, shoot our torpedoes at other submarines.”
Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission 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.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Mason. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
“I love being a role model, making a lasting impact, and being able to mentor and teach sailors both personally and professionally,” said Malloy.
With 90 percent 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. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Malloy and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being promoted to the rank of first class petty officer, earning my degree, and most recently I actually got the Sailor of the Quarter award for my command,” said Malloy.
As Malloy 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 everything to me,” added Malloy. “It gives me a chance to showcase who I am and how I was raised. Good leadership is huge to me, so I try my best to be the leader people can look up to provide a positive outlook on your career. Good deck plate leaders are the foundation of the Navy, so I try every day to live up to that.”
