SAN DIEGO - Lt. j.g. Fiona Kurland, a native of Ft. Meyer's, Florida, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Kurland graduated from Ft. Meyer's High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ft. Meyer's.
“Growing up, I was very involved in athletics which taught me the importance of hard work and being competitive,” Kurland said. “The ability to work with others to achieve a goal larger than myself has helped me succeed in the Navy.”
Kurland joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Kurland serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I got recruited for cross country and track to go to the Naval Academy,” Kurland said. "After visiting, I identified with my host very well. I was always under the impression that people in the military were robotic. However, I identify strongly with my feminine side and after visiting the Academy, I realized I could still express my individuality while serving."
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
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.
Kurland has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is getting my Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) pin,” Kurland said. "On top of receiving my SWO pin, I also was proud to watch one of my sailors be promoted. To have the opportunity to see my efforts support the development of others is what I take the most pride in."
Kurland 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 provides me with a sense of purpose,” Kurland said. "As a patriotic individual, I know I have the opportunity to support my sailors and the Navy during peacetime operations. I also know I am supporting an effort much larger than myself when I accomplish milestones throughout my career, regardless of how large or small.
The Navy has offered Kurland many unique experiences.
"I have visited 7 countries in the past two years and have been able to live at my dream duty station,” said Kurland. “I have also made lifelong friends which has been the best part of the Navy. Without the Navy, all of these things would not have been possible."
Kurland is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom,” Kurland added. "She was an Army nurse who definitely pushed me towards serving. I would also like to personally thank everyone I have been surrounded by. From my friends at the Academy who kept me motivated every day, to all the people who have been there for me personally or professionally, I have a new family everywhere I go in the Navy.”