Ensign Utsav Trivedi, a native of Ann Arbor, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Forces Command operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Trivedi joined the Navy four years ago, after earning a Navy ROTC scholarship to the University of Michigan.
“My friend’s older brother, Akbar, served in special operations,” said Trivedi. “He went to the Naval Academy. Everyone looked up to him, and I wanted to serve like he did.”
Growing up in the Ann Arbor area, Trivedi attended Northville High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Trivedi relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Ann Arbor to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in Ann Arbor, I learned how to be open minded,” said Trivedi. “The area is diverse ethically, religiously, and socio-economically, so I learned to value and respect others regardless of their background.”
These lessons have helped Trivedi while serving in the Navy.
Serving in the Navy means Trivedi is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy promotes freedom of the seas and represents the collective story of each sailor who has served and is currently serving,” said Trivedi.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Trivedi and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud of all the relationships I have made thus far and close friendships from before the Navy that I have sustained,” said Trivedi.
As Trivedi and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Representing my South Asian heritage and giving back by taking part in the defense of my country means a lot,” added Trivedi. “I think that everyone contributes in part to the United States, whether or not they’re in the military. I feel that this gives me an opportunity for a greater calling in a field that not many people get to experience.”