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A sailor from Manzanilla, Trinidad is making his mark in the U.S. Navy, proudly representing his homeland while serving thousands of miles away.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danian Aiko-Douglas was recently photographed alongside Capt. Tom Chekouras, Commander of Amphibious Squadron 7, and Capt. Eddie Park, Commanding Officer aboard the USS Tripoli, during a Sailor of the Year award ceremony held on May 2.

The USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship, is homeported in San Diego, California and plays a key role in naval operations in the Pacific. Aiko-Douglas, a member of the ship’s media and communications team, is part of a global force of sailors dedicated to defense and diplomacy.