U.S. Navy Ensign Lydia Peton
SAN DIEGO – Ensign Lydia Peton, a native of Christiansburg, Virginia, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
Peton graduated from Blacksburg High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Christiansburg.
“Growing up in a small town, I learned the value of hard work and the importance of autonomy,” Peton said. “Having six siblings, I also learned how to operate as a team. My hometown emulates the community in the Navy. On a ship, we are in tight quarters and have to work alongside one another. As the first female to be selected from my hometown into the Naval Academy, I had the opportunity to lead by example.”
Peton joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Peton serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I went to the Naval Academy to play volleyball,” Peton said. “After being recruited, I realized the vigor and the schedule of the Academy was enticing. At the Academy, you don’t have things handed to you, and hard work is heavily valued.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Peton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is commissioning in the Navy because it was the culmination of my four years at the Naval Academy,” Peton said. “The Academy is a very rigorous environment, especially with having to balance Division I athletic commitments. Having the opportunity to be recognized for my efforts over four years was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Additionally, after commissioning as a newly minted ensign, I have already had the opportunity to make a positive impact on my sailors. It has inspired me to continue pressing forward to empower my sailors.”
Peton reminisces on one of their favorite memories at the Naval Academy.
“The Navy has provided so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Peton said. “At the Academy, we would attend the Army-Navy game together. We would load the bus at the crack of dawn and although we were all exhausted throughout the day, once the ball kicked off, the energy was unlike anything else. After winning Army-Navy, driving back on the bus together was an opportunity to experience camaraderie unlike any other.”
Peton serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being in the Navy means serving my family,” Peton said. “I have the opportunity to not only serve my family, but I also have the opportunity to make a family within the Navy. We get to positively impact the lives around us and the lives around us have the opportunity to positively change the world. I joined the Navy to contribute to this country and to others. Serving also means learning to have fun and thrive in adverse environments.”
Peton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to specifically thank my mom, dad and six older siblings for teaching me how to have empathy for others regardless of the situation,” Peton added. “I would also like to thank my boyfriend who has encouraged me to step outside my shell.”
Lt. j.g. Garrison Wendlberger
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
