Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Monroe College graduate and Bronx, New York, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Katherine Aponte is a culinary specialist aboard the warship, based in Norfolk, Virginia. USS Mason is named after Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient Ensign Newton Henry Mason.A Navy culinary specialist is responsible for finances regarding provisions and supplies for the ship.
“I enjoy providing customer service to all the sailors I serve with,” Aponte said.
Aponte credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Bronx.
“Growing up in a diverse background, helped me work with sailors from all different walks of life,” Aponte said.
U.S. Navy sailors, like Aponte, are stationed both stateside and on the high seas aboard surface ships around the world. USS Mason is one of more than 60 ships on the east coast of the United States as part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
U.S. Navy ships are deployed globally, and their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is vital to project power, secure common areas, deter aggression and assure allies when and where desired.
Due to its extensive combat capability, the Mason is able to fire Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and other weapons as part of sustained combat operations against targets on and below the sea, in addition to hitting targets hundreds of miles over the land.
The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the ship’s electronic sensors and weapons systems to defend against anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s air search and fire control radar provides continuous search and tracking of hundreds targets simultaneously.
The crew of more than 300 sailors build a strong fellowship while working alongside each other. The sailors are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions as part of a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.
“You have a small community here so you get to connect with all the sailors here on more of a personal level,” Aponte said.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Aponte is most proud of learning patience while working in the Navy.
“Being patient gives me a better understanding of my surroundings,” Aponte said. “Without patience, you take away from learning new things and achieving your goals in life.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Aponte and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means having honor and pride serving your country and defending those that are not able,” Aponte added.