Courtesy Photo | Fireman Perry Firth graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning...... read more read more
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GREAT LAKES (NNS) – Fireman Perry Firth graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) April 3, 2025.
Firth, from Bel Air, Maryland, said he enlisted for various reasons, including personal development opportunities and the chance to expand his career options.
“I wanted to find a career that I was truly passionate about,” Firth said. “I’ve always been interested in science and technology, and as I learned about the opportunities that existed in the nuclear field in the Navy, I knew it would be a perfect fit. It allows me to serve my country while challenging myself mentally and physically. Above all else, I have a wife and son, and I wanted an option that would help me develop into the best person, husband, and father I can be.”
Firth, 26, graduated from Milton Wright High School and is an avid musician. Before joining the Navy, he worked full-time in the food service industry.
The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork. The award places him at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors. Firth is awarded a flag letter of commendation as part of his recognition.
According to Firth, the award is the best possible first step to begin his naval career.
“There are so many smart and capable recruits here that I was in disbelief when I was told I was being awarded,” said Firth. “I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized, and I feel it is my duty to continue striving for excellence. I’m driven now more than ever to put my best foot forward and work hard every day so that I can set an example for the other recruits and Sailors who will join the fleet in the future.”
Firth’s RDCs (Recruit Division Commanders) are Mineman 1st Class (MN1) Damien Leslie, Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD1) Devin Horton and Damage Controlman 2nd Class (DC2) Braxthon Demaretti, and they guided him through the nine-week process.
“MN1 Leslie and AD1 Horton were the kind of leaders who were easy to look up to,” he said. “Whenever we struggled as a division, they never accepted excuses and continued to push us. They taught us to be disciplined, conduct ourselves with pride and professionalism, and to be the kind of Sailors they would be proud to send to the fleet. Thinking about this inspired me to do everything I could to achieve that goal.”
Along with his RDCs, Firth found inspiration from his family.
“My wife, Valentina, and my son, Damon, were often on my mind while I was here. They provided the motivation I needed to push myself and strive for more. They are the reason I want to become a better person and achieve more in my life. Even though communication was limited, I was truly inspired by them and dedicated myself to training to make them proud.”
Firth said the biggest challenge he faced in boot camp was having limited contact with his loved ones.
“My son was born while I was here,” said Firth. “I felt a lot of guilt and stress because of that. There were many things beyond my control, and not being able to be there was something I struggled with. Over time, I learned to manage this stress through the camaraderie I developed with my shipmates and by seeking advice from my RDCs whenever I had difficulty coping. Even though it never got any easier, learning to overcome these anxieties made me a stronger person. I’m even more grateful now than ever for the love and support from my family.”
After graduation, Firth will attend Machinist’s Mate Nuclear “A” School in Charleston, South Carolina, where he will gain a working knowledge of technical mathematics and power distribution, and learn to analyze DC and AC circuits.
Training at RTC is approximately nine weeks, and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 Recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2025 09:46 |
| Story ID: | 494460 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | BEL AIR, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 355 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Firth Earns Military Excellence Award at Recruit Training Command, by Marc Lindsay, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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