Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Granbury High School graduate and Granbury, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Seaman Brandon Johnson is a quartermaster 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 quartermaster is responsible for navigation and the overall safety of the ship.
“I enjoy seeing sunrises and sunsets when steering the ship,” Johnson said.
Johnson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Granbury.
“Growing up in my hometown, I’ve learned to have thick skin,” Johnson said. “You need to take the good with the bad and learn from your mistakes. This has helped me develop into a top-notch sailor.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like Johnson, 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.
“We are all a close-knit family, we look out for each other,” Johnson said.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Johnson is most proud of completing his navigational qualification that was needed to steer the ship.
“Getting my qualification was a short-term goal of mine that I accomplished with great pride because of all the hard work and sacrifice that was put into it,” Johnson said. “It's very important to know how to navigate from point A to point B both safely and successfully."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Johnson 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 making my family proud,” Johnson added. “On my watch, they know their lives are secure.”