PEMBROKE — A local sailor has earned the highest distinction possible during his initial training, standing out among thousands of recruits at the nation’s premier naval boot camp.
Fireman Apprentice Michael Leahy of Pembroke was honored with the Military Excellence Award at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes on August 20, being recognized as the top Sailor in his recruit class.
The prestigious award is presented to the recruit who best exemplifies enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork throughout the rigorous training program. In addition to the recognition, the honor comes with a flag letter of commendation.
Leahy, 27, noted that the achievement is just the beginning of his service. “Winning the Military Excellence Award means that for as long as I’m in the Navy, I’ll perform to the best of my ability,” Leahy said. “I don’t plan to rest on my laurels. I want to keep earning this award every single day.”
Preparing for the Fleet
Motivated by a strong desire to serve and defend national freedoms, Leahy’s path to the Navy included hands-on experience close to home. Before entering recruit training, he attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and spent years performing demanding manual labor around the Boston area, including plumbing and carpet cleaning.
Leahy credits those grueling, 16-hour outdoor workdays in New England’s extreme weather for helping him endure the intense pace of boot camp. “That kind of work prepared me for the long days of training I’ve experienced here,” he shared.
Next Steps in Nuclear Training
With basic training successfully behind him, Leahy is moving on to specialized technical training. He is scheduled to attend Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) “A” School, a rigorous program that prepares sailors to operate, test, maintain, and repair the complex electrical circuits, motors, and equipment powering the Navy’s nuclear propulsion systems.
Recruit Training Command Great Lakes serves as the foundational starting point for approximately 40,000 recruits each year as they begin their careers in the United States Navy.
