Hawaii Native Serves with U.S. Navy at RIMPAC 2024

Chief Equipment Operator David “Kawika” Earley, a native of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, is serving in the U.S. Navy at Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18 during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 3. Earley graduated from James Campbell High School in 2003. According to Earley, the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in daily life on Oahu.

“Being from Hawaii, we are big on respect,” said Earley. “So being able to have military bearing helped me progress quickly. We are also big on family. Now, I have a big Navy family. Everywhere I go, we take care of each other.”

Earley joined the Navy fifteen years ago and now serves as an equipment operator. “I joined the Navy to support my family,” he said. “As an equipment operator, I work with bulldozers, cranes, excavators and pave asphalt. I do a lot of horizontal construction.” Earley is currently participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

“My experience at RIMPAC is good because I am here in Hawaii and able to see my family after the workday,” Earley explained.

The U.S. Navy operates around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security. 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.

“Today, at my pay grade, I enjoy helping Sailors and rewarding them for their hard work,” said Earley. “I also enjoy solving complex problems.”

Earley has achieved many accomplishments from the opportunities provided by military service.

“My proudest moment was helping my son join the Navy and being there for his graduation at boot camp, “A” school and Aircrew Candidate School,” said Earley. “We also bought our first house. I never thought I’d buy a house and we bought one.” Earley is honored to serve America through military service.

“Naval service means pride and professionalism,” said Earley. “Being a role model to my kids and serving others helps satisfy your own soul. I want to give back to the community.”

Earley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I’d like to thank my wife, my sons, my parents, my brother and my family,” added Earley. “As well as Senior Chief Werner Kamaunu and Command Master Chief Nathan Chun.”