“I’m just proud to be one of the first in my family to serve in the Navy,” said Merica. “I hope to start a family tradition of serving in the military.” “Personally, serving in the Navy makes me feel as if I have a better sense of purpose in my life,” said Merica.
“I joined the Navy seeking adventure while serving my country,” said Mendoza. “One adventure was helping a stranded vessel by giving them food, water and charging their battery.”
Retail Specialist 2nd Class Taia Battle, from Portsmouth, Virginia, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), scans a drink in the ship store aboard the berthing barge during the ship’s maintenance availability, July 10. Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
“I joined the Navy because my uncle served and I also had the desire to own my own business,” said Speller. Growing up in Portsmouth, Speller attended Green Run High School.
“No other part of our military can claim as many multipurpose functions as a Navy ship. However small, I know I am contributing in some way to accomplishing this mission for our country.”
“My accident set me back years from my fitness level at the time,” said Ocloo. ”Getting fitted and actually being able to compete in the Warrior Games is the most motivating aspect of my life.” During the 10 days of competition, Ocloo will compete in archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball.
Rollins joined the Navy over four and a half years ago. “I joined because I wanted to get away from home,” said Rollilns. “I was big on getting out and seeing the world. I became an information systems technician because my mother was also one and I fell in love with it. I also had the opportunity to play basketball for the USA team in Bahrain.”
“The Navy is important to our national defense because we maintain maritime security,” said Llanda. “We promote freedom of the sea and navigation.”
Wright and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. “I am proud of being a cryptologic technician maintenance worker,” said Wright. “There are fewer than one 1,000 of us in the Navy.”
Wells joined the Navy 14 years ago. “I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition,” said Wells. “My father and brothers served in the Navy.”
John Finn is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force.
