Bloomingdale native serves with U.S. Navy in Florida

Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Boatright, a native of Bloomingdale, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Station Mayport.

Boatright graduated from South Effingham High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bloomingdale.

“I learned the southern values of hard, honest work,” Boatright said. “You get what you put in.”

Boatright joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Boatright serves as a culinary specialist.

“I knew I wanted to serve in the military since I was a kid,” Boatright said. “I looked up to my uncle, who was killed while serving in the Army in Iraq. When I got older, I participated in Navy ROTC and eventually made my way into the military.”

Since its commissioning in 1942, Naval Station Mayport has grown to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States. Boasting both a large harbor and an 8,000-foot runway capable of handling any military aircraft in use, Naval Station Mayport is home to more than 80 commands, including 22 ships and three helicopter squadrons.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Boatright has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“It felt good when I finished my first deployment and when I advanced to first class petty officer,” Boatright said. “I’ve had some personal challenges, and with the encouragement of family, I have been able to keep sight of my goals and keep going.”

Boatright serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“I want my daughter to be proud of me when she gets older,” Boatright said. “I’m sure my family is proud of me, and heck, I’m proud of myself.”

Boatright is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my wife, April, who has stayed by my side through five different ships and underway periods,” said Boatright. “I would also like to thank my grandfather, Russell Lee, for not letting me give up.”

Article by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Heidi Cheek, Navy Office of Community Outreach