By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Monaca, Pennsylvania, native was recently promoted in rank to senior chief petty officer serving aboard USS Makin Island.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Patricia Frye joined the Navy 18 years ago to travel the world and for college tuition assistance.
“What I’ve learned from serving in the Navy is that there is more than one way to lead,” said Frye. “Every sailor is different, and the real challenge of leadership is finding a unique way to get through to each sailor since we all come from different walks of life. While doing that, you also learn a lot about yourself. Sometimes you cannot get through to every person but if you can exhaust every effort to try doing so, you can say you did your best and hopefully learn something in that process while helping them further their careers. If I can make a positive impact on one sailor’s life, then I consider that success.”
Frye attended graduated Western Beaver County Jr.-Sr. High School in 2001. Today, Frye serves as a Navy aviation boatswain’s mate (fuels) responsible for preparing and fueling Navy planes prior to launch and after landing, as well as pumping fuel to all areas of the ship.
Homeported in San Diego, California, Makin Island is one of the Navy’s most advanced amphibious ships designed to deliver Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts.
“What I like best about being on USS Makin Island is that it is a large, seagoing command,” said Frye. “We are out here doing the Navy’s biggest missions and we get to do that with thousands of sailors and Marines on board. It gives me a lot of pride being on sea duty knowing we are underway making differences.”
Serving in the Navy means Frye is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
There are many opportunities for sailors, such as Frye, to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy.
“My favorite accomplishment is becoming a part of the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess in 2016,” said Frye. “Becoming part of this brotherhood/sisterhood taught me so much about leadership and even more about my character.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Frye, as well as other sailors, know they are a 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 will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means that I get to lead sailors from all over our country and even all over the world,” added Frye. “I get the honor of learning from them and helping them further their careers. If I can make a positive impact on one sailor’s life, then I consider that success.”
Frye is currently attending Geneva College and majoring in communications.