Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryce Riley, a native of Dunnellon, is serving aboard the USS Farragut. Riley joined the Navy in 2023 and graduated from Crystal River High School the same year. Both of his grandfathers served in the Navy, and his great-grandfather joined the National Guard. Riley’s naval service is a continuation of his family’s tradition of serving in the military.
Riley serves as a cryptologic technician (collection) assigned to USS Farragut, which is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. The USS Farragut recently completed a port visit to Mobile, Alabama, from February 13-17, to take part in the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration. Riley said that his experience in the Navy has given him the strength and mindset to keep pushing forward, thanks to a quote from a senior chief mineman who was his instructor in high school: “The body is weak, but the mind is strong.”
Riley’s decision to join the Navy was influenced by his family’s military background. “I wanted to follow them, see the world and get schooling I may have never received unless it was for the Navy,” he said. As a cryptologic technician, Riley has many career opportunities both in and out of the Navy. The Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
