Los Angeles Recruiters Commemorate Navy Birthday, USS Cole Attack

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Los Angeles staff members, DoD civilians and contractors observed the Navy's 235th birthday Oct. 13 with 10 of the district's future Sailors.

Cmdr. Michelle D. Carter, NRD Los Angeles' executive officer, began the ceremony with a remembrance of the 17 Sailors killed and the 39 injured from the bombing of USS Cole (DDG 67) Oct. 12, 2000.

"Ten years ago yesterday USS Cole was attacked and we wanted to remember," said Carter. "We are proud to recognize the sacrifices made by our Shipmates that day."

Following the remembrance, Carter administered the Oath of Enlistment to 10 future Sailors representing the district's southern zone.

"Today we celebrate our history while we recognize our future. It's an honor to be a part of your career with today's ceremony," said Carter.

For one of the future Sailors, joining the Navy represents an opportunity at a better life.

According to 19-year-old Ahn Nguyen from Navy Recruiting Station Downey, being in the Navy proves anyone can achieve their goals with hard work.

"When I came to America five years ago, I didn't know any English," said Nguyen. "Now I'm trying to test into the nuclear power field. And now I have the opportunity to better my life because of the Navy."

For future Sailor Dominique Nezey, a 17-year-old graduate of Cabrillo High, it was a chance to be a part of something bigger than her.

"I spent four years in ROTC and I knew I wanted to join the military," said Nezey. "I know I'll have the chance to help a lot of people as a hospital corpsman in the Navy."

When asked about what advice she would give someone who is looking into opportunities in the Navy, Nezey did not mince words.

"Go for it," said Nezey. "If [joining the Navy] it's what you want to do with your life – don't let any anything stop you."


For more news from Navy Recruiting District Los Angeles, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrd-la/.