NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Gao, a native of Belleville, Illinois, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Beverly Taylor, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Belleville.
“My hometown instilled a strong work ethic in me,” said Gao. “I think this work ethic has helped me get further in the Navy compared to if I had never worked before joining.”
Gao joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Gao serves as a fire controlman aboard USS Ross.
“I joined the Navy for the benefits,” said Gao. “I wanted tuition assistance and I wanted to travel the world.”
Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Ross. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. Their jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, alongside a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Serving in the Navy means Gao is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by showing a presence in all the world’s oceans,” said Gao. “Our presence deters other countries from starting conflict.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Gao has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was receiving my Surface Warfare pin,” said Gao. “It took me many weeks of studying to achieve this goal.”
As Gao and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to be a part of something greater than myself,” added Gao. “I get to be a part of a great team and I know I am always needed.”