NEW YORK () — Fleet Week is underway in New York. The public can tour military ships and watch demonstrations. A Trenton native serving aboard the USS New York is there. “We literally have one stoplight down there, sir. A Dollar General. We just got our gas station backing up, running,” Seaman Mackquez Holmes said.

From one stoplight to Fleet Week in New York City, Seaman Mackquez Holmes is living a dream rooted in legacy and choice. A Strom Thurmond grad, Holmes serves aboard USS New York.

“My dad was in the military. He’s also was the same exact rate, Boatswain’s Mate, everything like that. So, it was pretty big for me,” he recalled.

Now he’s front and center piping in the Secretary of the Navy. “Everybody likes to call it a whistle. It’s not a whistle, it’s a pipe,” he shared. “I was able to pipe the Admiral and the Secretary of the Navy at his dinner. So that was probably definitely the best memorable time for me. Maybe probably since I’ve been in the Navy, honestly.”

That pride built on work, long days, tough balance and growth. It gave me more responsibility,” Seaman Holmes said. “I look at a lot of stuff differently. You have to adjust — not just to the military, but at home too. It’s hard, but it’s good. There’s nothing easy about it. I can tell you that.”

Still, he makes time for joy. “I definitely like to fish. And I love to eat — I’m a big guy, man. Very big. I love working out. I love sports to death. I’m a sports guy. Big sports guy,” he shared.

He keeps family close. No matter where the sea takes him. “Everybody knows back at home. My grandmother don’t play about me, man.,” Holmes said laughing.

And for others thinking about the service, he’s clear. “If you guys want to join the Navy—for my younger people out there—join it. It changes your life, literally in a blink, a snap, everything you can think of. I’m here today in New York City, literally celebrating Memorial Day and Fleet Week right now. I’ve been in for three years, having a great time. Don’t regret it at all.”