MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Baltimore, Maryland, native recently returned home from an eight-month deployment aboard USS Carter Hall, a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Stacey Washington joined the Navy 23 years ago.
Today, Washington serves as a culinary specialist.
"In civilian terms, my rate is equivalent to an executive chef," said Washington.
While on deployment, Washington won the lottery for one of the first hugs during the homecoming.
"After being deployed for eight months, winning the first hug is like winning the lottery," said Washington. "I prayed every single day for the safety of my loved ones, so to be able to hug them is truly a dream."
Washington is most excited to spend time with their kids, Zaire and Osei, after returning home.
"I am looking forward to family game night, lots of hugs and snuggling time," said Washington.
Washington is a 1998 Booker T. Washington high school graduate and a 2003 Saint Leo University graduate.
Washington's favorite part of working in the Navy is working with a diverse group of people.
"The teamwork and camaraderie on this ship is truly awesome," said Washington.
USS Carter Hall is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named for Carter Hall, the Virginia estate that is steeped in American history. Col. Nathan Burwell of Carter's Grove built his country mansion on 8,000 acres in the lower Shenandoah Valley near the present town of Winchester. The house took two years to build, 1790-1792, and Burwell named it after his great-grandfather, Robert "King" Carter.
According to Navy officials, dock landing ships transport and launch Landing Craft, Air Cushioned conventional landing craft and helicopters with their crews and embarked personnel onto hostile shores in amphibious assault operations. It has the largest capacity for these landing crafts (four) of any U.S. Navy amphibious platform.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Wahington, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"Serving in the World’s Greatest Navy to me has provided the means for a better life for my
children than I had growing up," added Washington. "It has also allowed me as a woman of faith to serve others and be a vessel through leadership to all sailors and Marines."