Green Ridge, Missouri Native Serves Aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ronald Gutridge, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

RED SEA (Nov. 8, 2014) – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class David Dysart from Green Ridge, Mo., enlisted into the Navy Nov. 17, 2003. He is currently serving aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), which is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

“Both of my grandfathers served in the Army during the Korean War, and my father, David E. Dysart, served in the Marine Corps,” said Dysart.

Dysart graduated from Green Ridge High School in 2001 and went on to attend Vincennes University and Southern Illinois University, graduating from both in 2013. He earned an associate degree in Applied Science from Vincennes University and a bachelor’s degree in Workforce Education and Development from the University of Southern Illinois.

“There are a lot of things I like about the Navy. The biggest thing is that it has made me into the person that I am today. It has set me up to take care of my family, and to give myself an opportunity to do anything I want to do upon retirement,” said Dysart. “I get to travel the world and so far I have gone to Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Guam, Hawaii, Thailand and India, and have experienced many different cultures in those countries that most people will never have the chance to see.”