NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Miranda Chow, a native of West Covina, California, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Beverly Taylor, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Chow graduated in 2019 from William Workman High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in West Covina.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of working hard and enjoying what you do,” said Chow.
Chow joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Chow serves as a gas turbine systems mechanical technician aboard USS Ross.
“I joined the Navy for travel, education benefits and a better future for myself and my family,” said Chow.
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 Chow 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.
“Our Navy vessels keep our country and our allies safe,” said Chow.
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.
Chow has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of being someone people can rely on and becoming a petty officer second class,” said Chow. “It shows that all of my hard work is being recognized.”
As Chow and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving means a lot to me,” said Chow. “It has given me a chance to travel and meet so many people who will be my friends for a long time. It has helped me become the person I am today.”
Chow is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom, Victoria Chow, has supported me through every decision and in hard times,” added Chow. “I’m thankful for her.”