By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – A Kernersville, North Carolina, native and 2009 East Forsyth High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS John Paul Jones.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Rachel Barsi is a fire controlman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for maintaining and operating weapon systems onboard the ship.
“My family taught me that manners are very important, and that it is important to show respect to superiors,” said Barsi.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Barsi, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Barsi is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Marine Corps Reserves, and my husband is in the Army. He was extremely influential in my joining,” said Barsi.
Barsi is also proud of earning “Weaponeer of the Month” honors in March 2018.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Barsi and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am proud to serve because it gives me an opportunity to give back to the country, and also travel,” added Barsi.
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for maintaining and operating weapon systems onboard the ship.
“My family taught me that manners are very important, and that it is important to show respect to superiors,” said Barsi.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Barsi, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Barsi is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Marine Corps Reserves, and my husband is in the Army. He was extremely influential in my joining,” said Barsi.
Barsi is also proud of earning “Weaponeer of the Month” honors in March 2018.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Barsi and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am proud to serve because it gives me an opportunity to give back to the country, and also travel,” added Barsi.