By
Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community
Outreach
SAN DIEGO – A 1999 West Memphis High School
graduate and Memphis, Tennessee native is serving
in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most
versatile combat ships.
Chief Latasha Fennell 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 personnel
that handle shipping and receiving for the LCS ships on the waterfront.
“This job gives me the opportunity to meet lots of
different sailors,” said Fennell. “I get to see some of them grow up while
serving.”
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.
“I have met a lot of different young sailors at this
command,” said Fennell. “I get to see them advance and gain knowledge to do
their job better. I've also got to learn about the LCS ships which are new to
the Navy. I think its very interesting to be a part of something that is
evolving.”
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, Fennell 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.
“It's an honor to be able
to serve in the Navy, especially as a female and a mother and a wife,” added
Fennell. “My husband also served so it is a tradition that I am a part of. The
big thing is to know I did my part in protecting our country that we love so
much.”
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.