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Milford native serves country through US Navy

| 18 Aug 2014 | 03:17
    U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lawrence Davis Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Kyle Daggett, from Milford, Pa., assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, the "Wildcards," safety observes aboard an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter as it transports cargo to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a connected and vertical replenishment at sea with fleet eplenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45). Makin Island is on a scheduled deployment to promote peace and freedom of the seas by providing deterrence, humanitarian aid and disaster response while supporting the Navy's maritime strategy in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.
    U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lawrence Davis Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Kyle Daggett, from Milford, Pa., assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, the "Wildcards," safety observes aboard an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter as it transports cargo to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a connected and vertical replenishment at sea with fleet eplenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45). Makin Island is on a scheduled deployment to promote peace and freedom of the seas by providing deterrence, humanitarian aid and disaster response while supporting the Navy's maritime strategy in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.

MILFORD — While the citizens of Milford prepare for the final weeks of summer by making one last trip down the Delaware River, through the back-to-school sale aisles and to the final barbeques of the season, one member of the community has something entirely different on his mind.

In fact, he is residing miles away aboard the USS Makin Island, where he is on scheduled deployment with the US Navy.

Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Kyle Daggett, who graduated from Delaware Valley High School just four summers ago, is now focused on his assignment to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23.

Makin Island is currently on a scheduled deployment “to promote peace and freedom of the seas by providing deterrence, humanitarian aid and disaster response while supporting the Navy’s maritime strategy in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility,” as per a press release provided by the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Petty Officer Daggett joined the Navy immediately after graduating from DVHS in 2011, he said via email.

While his family was at first uncertain of his decision to enlist, they remained supportive and are “now behind me all the way,” he said.

His time in the Navy has introduced him to people from across the country, some of whom have become some of his best friends and brothers, he said. He finds this to be the most rewarding aspect of his service, along with traveling.

“I have seen some awesome things while flying, things words can’t describe,” Petty Officer Daggett said.

Despite these benefits, Petty Officer Daggett said being away from his family and girlfriend is tough.

He misses his friends and family here in Milford, as well as the fishing, barbeques and atmosphere of his hometown.

“It’s the little things you miss when you are away from it for a long time,” he said.

Petty Officer Daggett said he encourages those who may be considering joining the Navy to make what they think is “the right choice” for themselves.

“The Navy has a lot of opportunities for you that you can, in some cases, not get anywhere else,” he said.