From Oil City to the Sea: A Sailor’s Path to a Navy Warship

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Chief Petty Officer, Brian Caracci

SAN DIEGO - Chief Petty Officer Brian Caracci, a native of Oil City, Pennsylvania, serves aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex, currently operating out of San Diego, California.

Caracci graduated from Oil City Senior High School in 1996.

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

“I learned not to sweat the small stuff,” Caracci said. “When things get tough, they could get tougher.”

Caracci joined the Navy 23 years ago. Today, Caracci serves as a mass communication specialist.

“I was influenced to join the Navy after the 9/11 attacks because I wanted to protect and serve my country,” Caracci said. “I also joined for better job opportunities and for the benefits the Navy has to offer.”

Essex plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment, and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults. This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe.

Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Essex’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Caracci has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was working at the White House for six years,” Caracci said. “The number of people you interact with that you never had before is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During my time there, I visited 36 countries, 48 states, and met countless dignitaries and celebrities.”

Caracci 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 means having stability,” Caracci added. “It betters me as a person, and I think people who haven’t served just don’t have that mindset, view or discipline to better themselves.”