SAN DIEGO - Ensign Conor Curran, a native of Dedham, Massachusetts, 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 Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Curran graduated from Dedham High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dedham.
“I learned growing up how to be comfortable working in tight spaces with a variety of people,” Curran said. "My high school was densely populated and I had seven siblings. Between those things, I had to learn how to work with others. In the Navy, we work in dynamic environments in tight quarters. Learning to work together to accomplish the mission is essential."
Curran joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Curran serves as a supply officer.
“I had an older sister who served for about eight years maintaining helicopters,” Curran said. "After hearing her stories of living in San Diego, traveling the world, and seeing the opportunities serving presented her, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Having an economics degree, my recruiter thought it would be a great opportunity for me to go into supply.”
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 USS 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.
Curran has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of working with a financial specialist and becoming more fiscally responsible through the Navy,” Curran said. “With the career stability the Navy provides, I was able to establish a financial plan that would best suit my lifestyle and work with my student loans and other obligations."
Curran serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means moving beyond a one-track mind,” Curran said. "I was originally focused on working at start-ups and all my efforts were oriented around personal goals. However, with the Navy, I am able to have a bigger picture. My job and efforts go beyond my needs and I am able to see how I am a part of missions that are much bigger than myself.”
Curran is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my brother-in-law Lt. Camilo Duque for showing me how to join the Navy,” Curran added. "He was a resource I was able to leverage when I made the decision to join."