U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM (April 29, 2024) – Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Powell, a native of Newport News, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Frank Cable.
Powell graduated from Woodside High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Newport News.
“My grandfather was in the Army for 20 years and inspired me to go into the military and serve my country,” said Powell.
Powell joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Powell serves as a machinist mate.
“I joined the Navy for better opportunities than were available for me back at home,” said Powell.
“I wanted to set myself up for success and start a career with great benefits and a pension. You really can’t find those anymore”
Frank Cable, an expeditionary submarine tender manned by a hybrid crew of sailors and civilian mariners, provides critical maintenance capabilities to the U.S. Navy’s submarine force in the Pacific.
Frank Cable’s primary clients are the four Los Angeles-class attack submarines homeported in Guam, but the ship can also provide repair and logistic services to other Navy ships like cruisers and destroyers. The submarine tenders provide maintenance, temporary berthing services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the Pacific Ocean as well as the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.
With a crew of more than 600, Frank Cable is 649 feet long and weighs approximately 23,493 tons.
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.
Powell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Powell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the fact I have been able to become a strong, financially independent sailor,” said Powell. “In addition, becoming a petty officer 3rd class has allowed me to teach and train other junior sailors the traits I have learned so far.”
Powell can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being the best person I can be,” said Powell. “We in the military serve others who can’t and protect them from enemies around the world.”
Powell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Denise for raising me to be the man and sailor I am today,” added Powell. “Having family and a support system back at home gives this job much more meaning knowing I am doing my part protecting them too.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach
You must be logged in to post a comment.