Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2017 Bryan Station High School graduate and Lexington, Kentucky, native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Callie Winter is a cryptologic 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 cryptologic technician is responsible for inbound threats and anti-ship missiles. They also collect, analyze, and provide electronic intelligence support.
“I like the people I work with, the technology, and learning about the different missiles,” Winter said.
Winter credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lexington.
“Growing up my parents taught me the importance of respect," Winter said. "This attitude applies every day as I interact with other sailors.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like Winter, 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.
“My job is very diverse," Winter said. "Not only do I get to work with the latest technology, but I also do line handling and other ship activities. Helping out in many departments, I get an idea of what other jobs are like.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Winter is most proud of promoting to petty officer third class.
“Many sailors in my rate advance right out of school and this shows that I worked really hard to get promote,” Winter said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Winter 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 putting others first," Winter added. "Being part of something bigger than myself gives me a great sense of pride.”