Petty Officer Third Class Colten Groessl, a native of Chandler, is serving aboard the USS Wayne E. Meyer, a U.S. Navy destroyer, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Groessl, a 2014 graduate of Perry High School, joined the U.S. Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel the world and seek opportunities,” said Groessl.

Today, Groessl relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Chandler to succeed in the military.

“I learned to maintain a positive attitude and work ethic from my dad,” said Groessl.
These lessons have helped Groessl while serving in the Navy.

The USS Wayne E. Meyer is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard Wayne E. Meyer. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill.

Jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.

Serving in the U.S. Navy means Groessl is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is important to national defense because we provide freedom of navigation and deter our adversaries from attacking us,” said Groessl.

Groessl and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is receiving the 2023 Blue Jacket of the Year award,” said Groessl.

As Groessl and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the Navy.

“Serving in the Navy allows me to meet new people and experience different cultures,” said Groessl.

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

“I would like to thank my dad for pushing me along the way to joining and for his continued support throughout my career,” added Groessl.