By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Mellin, a native of Seattle, Washington, is serving the U.S. Navy aboard USS Gerald R. Ford.
Growing up in Seattle, Mellin attended Bainbridge High School and graduated in 2016.
“Back in my hometown, my parents taught me the importance of respect,” said Mellin. “That has helped me immensely throughout my time in the Navy.”
Mellin joined the Navy two and a half years ago.
“I joined the military because I needed a change in my life,” said Mellin. “I was inspired to join the Navy by my father who found success during his career in the Navy.”
Mellin serves as a Navy personnel specialist.
Personnel specialists provide counseling related to Navy occupations, opportunities for general education and job training, promotion, rights and benefits; interview personnel for assignment recommendations; assist enlisted sailors and their families with problems or personal hardships; manage their duty station’s Career Information Program; maintain and enter data into the Enlisted Service Records; assist with personnel transfers, separations and retirements; serves as a cashier for the Navy and maintain ATMs aboard ships; and more.
“My favorite part about being a personnel specialist is being able to help other sailors every single day,” said Mellin.
Sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Mellin is most proud of being recognized for taking on extra responsibilities.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is earning a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal at my last command for voluntarily going to temporary active duty with the auxiliary defense force,” said Mellin.
Mellin plans to continue this trend of hard work aboard USS Gerald R. Ford.
USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship in the Ford-class of aircraft carrier, the first new class in more than 40 years, and will begin the phased replacement of Nimitz-class carriers.
USS Gerald R. Ford honors the 38th president of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. During World War II, Ford attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, serving on the light carrier USS Monterey. Ford became president and served in the country’s highest office from 1974-1977.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mellin is part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who follow.
“Serving in the Navy is all about teamwork,” said Mellin. “Every sailor I serve with works together to achieve a goal: defend our nation and support our allies.”
