SAN DIEGO -- Seaman Jordan Swanson, a native of Gentry, joined the Navy because he wanted to better himself. Now, almost two years later, Swanson serves aboard one of the Navy's amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
"The work is rewarding and everyone that I work with makes the days go by easier," said Swanson.
Swanson, a 2015 graduate of Ozark Adventist Academy, is a culinary specialist aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
"I work with maintenance and we make sure everything is in running condition in the galley," said Swanson.
Swanson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Gentry.
"If you work hard, through your actions and what you do, people will see your character," said Swanson. "Do not boast about what you do because, in the end, it's your actions that will show."
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Swanson is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America's focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
America is a maritime nation, and the nation's prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world's oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world's population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
"Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships," said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. "Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities."
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Swanson is most proud of joining the Navy and being able to serve his country.
"There hasn't been much in my life worth being proud of besides joining the Navy," said Swanson. "I hadn't amounted to much before this."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied-upon assets, Swanson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy means having the resources and the opportunity to rewrite your life story," said Swanson.
General News on 09/11/2019