By
Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader,
Navy Public Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2002 Sanya Secondary High School
graduate and Lexington, Kentucky native is serving
in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most
versatile combat ships.
Seaman Samuel Sowunmi is a logistics specialist and a member of the Logistics Support Team which supports both variants of littoral
combat ships based in San Diego.
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for managing inventory of general supplies.
“I learn new things everyday,” said Sowunmi. “I get to
work with people everyday so when I'm able to meet all the customer's needs, it
really makes me happy.”
The LCS platform has a unique manning concept called
“3-2-1,” where three crews serve aboard two different littoral combat ships,
one of which is deployed. This
innovative manning concept allows the LCS to spend
more time forward deployed without overtaxing the crew, according to Navy
officials.
Designed to
defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from traditional
Navy shipbuilding programs. The LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take
into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission
modules.
“This command gives me the training I need and the
freedom to get the job done,” said Sowunmi. “They want to help you to get the
job done, and it makes me want to come to work every morning.”
According to
Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18-month training pipeline,
sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the
ship. This intense and realistic
training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities
immediately upon stepping onboard.
"Sailors that work aboard this platform are expected to
be capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist in the completion of the
LCS mission," said Capt. Warren R Buller, Commander, LCS Squadron One.
"The training that is required of our sailors is
rigorous and difficult. This ensures that they are mission ready to defend and
protect America at all times."
As a service
member supporting the LCS mission, Sowunmi explained they are building a legacy
that will last beyond their lifetimes. Sailors know how important it is for the
Navy to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the
world’s oceans.
“Serving in the Navy is
what I always wanted to do,” added Sowunmi. “I think I'm fulfilling my destiny
doing this job. I see myself in the uniform, and I feel very secure.”
Through
innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS
platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its
personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it
matters.