SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Kaliah Pittman, a native of Cheraw, South Carolina, serves aboard USS Jack H. Lucas, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Pittman graduated from Cheraw High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cheraw.
“Growing up, I learned that anything you want in your career, you have to go get it yourself,” Pittman said. “It’s shown me that I can’t depend on other people to do stuff for me. If I want it I have to work for it.”
Pittman joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Pittman serves as a retail services specialist.
“I joined the Navy for a change of environment and new opportunities,” Pittman said. “I felt like the Navy was the right fit for me.”
Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.
Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, 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 Jack H. Lucas. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Pittman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I won Blue Jacket of the Quarter for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024,” Pittman said. “I received this for staying motivated to do my job and always getting better. I’m proud of this because it showed that my hard work didn’t go unnoticed.”
Pittman serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It means a lot to be a part of something way bigger than yourself,” Pittman said. “Serving in the Navy is an honor.”
Pittman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my mom for always guiding me,” Pittman added.