Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2016 Green Valley High School graduate and Las Vegas native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Seaman Apprentice Jacob Overturf 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 assisting the navigator and officer of the deck, steering the ship, and taking radar bearings and ranges.
“My favorite part of what I do is being up on the bridge and interacting with the captain and executive officer,” Overturf said. “It gives me a feeling of importance, knowing they rely on me. I also appreciate the mentorship that few sailors receive.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like Overturf, 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.
“A destroyer has a small crew size with tight quarters and you have to learn to get along with other sailors," Overturf said. "It feels like a family.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Overturf is most proud of his decision to join the Navy and serve.
“That was a big decision," Overturf said. "I've had a lot of family members serve and it's good to know I’m carrying on a family tradition.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Overturf 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 a sacrifice for my country, giving family and friends back home that peace of mind, and protecting their freedom," Overturf added. "Being part of something bigger than myself gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”