Picayune native serves in San Diego aboard Navy’s largest amphibious warship
SAN DIEGO – A 2015 Acadamy of Richmond County graduate and Picayune, Mississippi, native is currently serving aboard the largest amphibious warship in the Navy.
Seaman Adrianna Restivo is a boatswain's mate serving aboard USS Boxer, based in San Diego.
As a Navy boatswain's mate, Restivo is responsible for leading sailors in the ship’s deck department who carry out various seamanship tasks.
"Growing up I learned to never quit," said Restivo. "I learned to keep driving to do what is best for yourself and family. This allows me to succeed in my Navy career as well."
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that resembles a small aircraft carrier. Approximately 3,000 Sailors and Marines serve aboard the ship and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Boxer is famous for playing a critical role in the rescue mission of Capt. Richard Phillips on April 12, 2009. U.S. Navy SEALS and other special operations forces from USS Bainbridge rescued Phillips who was later transferred to Boxer for medical evaluation and care. This successful rescue mission was portrayed in the 2013 movie, “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, and featuring crewmembers from the Boxer.
The ship is armed with two semi-active radar-guided NATO Sea Sparrow missile systems for anti-air warfare protection, two rolling airframe missile systems and two Phalanx close-in weapon-system mounts to counter threats from low-flying aircraft and close-in small craft.
Boxer is 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs nearly 45,000 tons, with two gas turbine engines that push the ship through water at more than 22 knots.
As a member of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship, Restivo is proud to be part of the most capable amphibious force in the world.
Restivo’s proudest accomplishment was successfully making it through her first deployment.
"The success of our Surface Force ships is measured by our ability to provide Fleet Commanders with combat naval power at sea and to project that power ashore where and when it matters," said Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, commander, Naval Surface Forces. "It's hard work to ready ships for combat operations at sea - it takes the talent of an entire crew working well together. I'm extremely proud of the each and every surface warrior's contributions to the Navy's enduring mission of protecting and defending America, at home and around the world."
Restivo has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My family was an inspiration for me to join the Navy,” said Restivo. “I saw their great careers and the life adventures that it brought them along the way.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Restivo and other Boxer sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. "Serving in the Navy has allowed me to see the world differently and be more opened minded," added Restivo. "It has made be more grateful for America."
