By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – A Shreveport, Louisiana, native and 2015 Captain Shreve High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Michael Murphy.
Seaman Alena Alcantara is a ship's serviceman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy ship's serviceman is responsible for working in the ship store, laundry, barber shop and restocking the vending machines.
“Growing up, I learned to always enjoy and take care of the people around you,” said Alcantara. “Just being in the Navy has taught me that teamwork is everything, and you'll always have a family. Taking care of those people will be important in the long run.”
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 Alcantara, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Alcantara is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have a lot of military family and that influenced my decision to join,” said Alcantara. “It always seemed like the right thing to do to serve a purpose bigger than yourself.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Alcantara and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is rewarding because I know I am a part of something bigger than myself,” added Alcantara.
A Navy ship's serviceman is responsible for working in the ship store, laundry, barber shop and restocking the vending machines.
“Growing up, I learned to always enjoy and take care of the people around you,” said Alcantara. “Just being in the Navy has taught me that teamwork is everything, and you'll always have a family. Taking care of those people will be important in the long run.”
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 Alcantara, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Alcantara is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have a lot of military family and that influenced my decision to join,” said Alcantara. “It always seemed like the right thing to do to serve a purpose bigger than yourself.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Alcantara and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is rewarding because I know I am a part of something bigger than myself,” added Alcantara.