Navy Veteran Reflects on Seeing the World Through Service

Donald Higgins shares how his time in the Navy shaped his life and career

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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As Boothbay Harbor prepares to celebrate the 64th annual Windjammer Days, this year's theme honors past, present, and retired members of the United States Navy. Donald Higgins, a local Navy veteran, shares his experiences serving on the USS Marvin Shields, including crossing the Equator, weathering a typhoon in the Taiwan Straits, and refueling at sea. Higgins credits his time in the Navy with shaping who he is today and providing him the opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures, including climbing Mount Fuji.

Why it matters

The Windjammer Days celebration in Boothbay Harbor pays tribute to the maritime heritage and naval service members of the local community. Higgins' story exemplifies how the Navy can provide life-changing experiences and opportunities for young people, while also highlighting the lasting impact of military service on an individual's personal and professional development.

The details

Higgins enlisted in the Navy at age 17 in 1974, following in the footsteps of his father and other relatives who had served. After boot camp, he was assigned to the USS Marvin Shields FF 1066, stationed in San Diego. During his time in the fleet, Higgins experienced two West Pac deployments, visiting locations such as Hawaii, Samoa, Guam, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan. He worked as a ship's serviceman, managing the laundry and ship's store. Higgins vividly remembers crossing the Equator, when he transitioned from a 'polywog' to a 'shellback' according to Navy tradition, as well as weathering a typhoon in the Taiwan Straits that damaged the ship's mast, requiring repairs in Subic Bay.

  • Higgins enlisted in the Navy in 1974 at age 17.
  • Higgins married his high school sweetheart, Eileen Giles, in 1979.

The players

Donald Higgins

A local Navy veteran who served on the USS Marvin Shields FF 1066, stationed in San Diego, and had the opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures during his time in the Navy.

Eileen Giles

Higgins' high school sweetheart, whom he married in 1979.

USS Marvin Shields FF 1066

The ship that Higgins was assigned to, stationed in San Diego, California.

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What they’re saying

“I joined the Navy because it was my destiny. I had a relative that served with George Washington and uncles that served in World War II and the Battle of the Bulge.”

— Donald Higgins (boothbayregister.com)

“My dad joined World War II as an enlisted man at 17 years old and retired after 33 years of service as LCDR Commander. He made it clear that his five boys would join the military. All five of us followed orders!”

— Donald Higgins (boothbayregister.com)

The takeaway

Higgins' story highlights how the Navy can provide young people with life-changing experiences and opportunities to see the world, while also shaping their personal and professional development. His commitment to military service, like many in the Boothbay Harbor community, reflects the deep maritime heritage and appreciation for those who have served their country.