Peru native serves aboard US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier

NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Boggs, a native of Peru, was among those serving aboard the brand new USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier for its first deployment.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Peru, he said.

“My hometown taught me that hard work and dedication pay off,” said Boggs, who graduated from Peru High School in 2015. “Late nights studying for school and factory work prepared me to be successful in the Navy.”

Boggs joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Boggs serves as an information systems technician.

“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Boggs. “I also wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

The crew recently completed an eight-month deployment, which was the first for the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was extended 76 days following the outbreak of conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation and support Israel in its right to self-defense.

While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Türkiye. Other ships in the strike group visited Belgium, Cyprus, Montenegro, Spain, and Sweden.

“The Gerald R. Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more. I am so proud of the crew, who breathed life into the world’s most technologically advanced warship and stood the watch in defense of our national interests,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our sailors performed admirably. Ford sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”

In 239 days underway, the ship’s crew conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 17,826 flight hours and 10,396 sorties, sailed more than 83,476 nautical miles, and safely transferred 20.7 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps. The Ford crew conducted 33,444 flight deck moves, 3,124 hangar bay aircraft moves, 2,883 aircraft elevator moves, 16,351 aircraft fueling evolutions, and transferred 8,850 pallets of cargo and mail. The Gerald R. Ford culinary team prepared and served 3.1 million meals, which included approximately 48,000 dozen eggs, 24,000 gallons of milk, 131,000 hamburgers, 367,000 pounds of chicken, and Gerald R. Ford’s favorite, 79,000 chocolate chip cookies.

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.

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

”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.”

Boggs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is deploying and working as a team with my shipmates,” said Boggs. “I have received awards I am proud of, but I couldn’t be prouder to serve alongside the people around me.”

Boggs can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy is more than just a job for me,” said Boggs. “We all depend on each other, and knowing that someone has my back makes this more than just a job to me.”

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

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in my chain of command and my family,” added Boggs. “They’ve been there to assist me, whether it’s with a move or during difficult times such as a loss of life, it’s reassuring to know that they’re always there for support.”