By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Master Chief Petty Officer Hawa Prudence Riley, a sailor from Liberia, recently participated in Fleet Week New York.
Through a series of outreach events, Fleet Week New York gives citizens an opportunity to interact with sailors and learn more about the Navy. This year’s events included ship tours, dive tank demonstrations, band performances, a ship parade, and participation from NATO allies Great Britain, Italy and Canada.
Riley joined the Navy 28 years ago and today serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate aboard USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship that supports U.S. Marines in combat and provide disaster relief and medical support to those in need.
USS Wasp was one of the ships offering free public tours during Fleet Week New York.
“I joined the Navy to continue going to school and to travel and see the world,” said Riley. “I’ve also learned discipline, leadership and endless knowledge.”
