Marysville Native Serves Aboard Navy Warship in the Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE – Petty Officer 2nd Class Aron Moledor, a native of Marysville, Ohio, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.

Moledor graduated from Marysville Early College High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Marysville.

“I swam competitively my whole life, and that taught me that being a positive and supporting team ensures success,” said Moledor. “I try to bring that attitude to work so my team can succeed.”

Moledor joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Moledor serves as a quartermaster.

“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to study in college, and the Navy seemed like a unique job,” said Moledor.

A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Barry. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The 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.

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.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Moledor has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of my time as a forward-deployed Sailor in Japan,” said Moledor. “I had tons of unique experiences and felt that the mission there was important to the defense of democracy.”

Moledor serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy gives me opportunities to challenge myself, learn new things, meet a diverse group of people, and see new parts of the world,” said Moledor.

Moledor is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I’d like to thank my mom and my dad, Tori and Kurt, for being supportive,” added Moledor. “I also want to send a shoutout to my brothers, Nathan and Spencer.”

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach