MILLINGTON, Tenn. December 3, 2021 – An Auburn, California, native is serving aboard USS Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy dock landing ship, currently deployed in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Arabian Sea.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Riley Jungers is a 2016 Placer High School graduate. Today, Jungers serves as a Navy damage controlman responsible for being a firefighter and emergency responder in fighting and preventing various fire, flooding and structural casualties.
Jungers joined the Navy four and a half years ago to do something out of the norm for his family, and to get a chance to see the world from a different perspective.
According to Jungers, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Auburn.
“I learned to treat people with respect and try to help anyone that needs it,” said Jungers. “Not everyone sees things the same way. Every person should voice their opinions because you never know what might work best until you’ve heard it.”
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Pearl Harbor is a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship (LSD) named after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
According to Navy officials, LSDs support amphiibous operations including landings via Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores by transporting and launching amphibous craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel in amphibious assault operations. “The people are what makes a command good,” said Jungers. “I enjoy getting to meet people from all different walks of life.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Jungers is most proud of helping people learn their jobs and teaching people to help others through casualty response and equipment repairs.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Jungers, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“It means getting a chance to help others, see the world from different points of view and getting a chance to do something bigger than myself,” added Jungers.