Litchfield Park native serves with Navy in Connecticut

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Robinson, a native of Litchfield Park, is serving in the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut.

Robinson graduated from Verrado High School in 2018. He said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in his hometown.

“Growing up, I learned to be calm in bad situations,” Robinson said. “In Arizona, it’s either blistering hot or stupidly cold. I worked outside a lot growing up, doing landscaping. Getting through a lot of that just came down to keeping calm and drinking your water. You can get mad at the situation, but there’s no use in complaining about it because the job still has to get done.”

Robinson joined the Navy five years ago and now serves as a master-at-arms in the Security Department at the base.

“I joined the Navy because I figured it was better to be broke than broke and homeless,” Robinson said. “My parents loved me, but it was a good time to get out and spread my wings.”

The base, known as the “Submarine Capital of the World,” is homeport to  fast-attack submarines and the Naval Submarine School, where more than 27,000 sailors and officers train each year.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. Navy officials say America’s prosperity is tied to recruiting and retaining talented people from communities across the country.

“I’m most proud of having my independence,” Robinson said. “The Navy gives you a lot of tools to be independent. I’m also proud of the people I’ve helped along the way. I’ve met some sailors who’ve gone to flight school after I’ve encouraged them.”

Robinson said he is grateful to his community for helping guide him during high school.

“I want to thank my stepmom, Jill,” Robinson said. “I wasn’t doing great in my first two years of high school, but she gave me a push to go in the right direction. She wouldn’t let me be mediocre and wanted me to do something with my life. She was like that with all of her kids, and we’re all doing alright for ourselves.”

Visit  navyoutreach.blogspot.com for more information.