Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2011 E.E. Smith High School graduate and Fayetteville, North Carolina, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrianne Richardson is a hull maintenance technician 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 hull maintenance technician is responsible for maintaining ships' hulls, fittings, piping systems and machinery.
“Learning my skill set has been rewarding," Richardson said. "I enjoy working with my hands and helping other sailors in the process.”
Richardson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Fayetteville.
“Growing up in Fayetteville, I've seen a lot of military involvement in my community," Richardson said. "Both my parents retired from the Air Force, and I wanted to carry on a military family tradition.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like Richardson, 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.
“I like the community on a destroyer and seeing what we accomplish as a team is rewarding,” Richardson said.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Richardson is most proud of being promoted to petty officer third class and receiving her surface warfare qualification.
“It was a lot of studying and hard work and I’m glad it paid off,” Richardson said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Richardson 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 being a part of something bigger than myself," Richardson added. "I believe my job, as small as it is, has a global impact. I'm proud to say I serve in the Navy.”