SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Pete Spencer, a native of Lakeland, Florida, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Spencer graduated from Lakeland Senior High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lakeland.
“I learned from my hometown to focus on myself and to bring others up along the way,” Spencer said. “Growing up, my mom and I always helped others if we could. Those lessons transfer well to the Navy because you have to bring others up in order to collectively succeed. A lot of people have not been trained. Therefore, it is important to provide them additional information so they can complete their jobs. At the end of the day, it is refreshing to bring people up and it makes the world a lot nicer of a place.”
Spencer joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Spencer serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for the educational benefits,” Spencer said. “I wanted to be able to go to college for free. I also wanted the experiences the Navy offers, such as teaching others, because I know the skills I learn here can be valuable outside of the Navy as well.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Spencer graduated from Lakeland Senior High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lakeland.
“I learned from my hometown to focus on myself and to bring others up along the way,” Spencer said. “Growing up, my mom and I always helped others if we could. Those lessons transfer well to the Navy because you have to bring others up in order to collectively succeed. A lot of people have not been trained. Therefore, it is important to provide them additional information so they can complete their jobs. At the end of the day, it is refreshing to bring people up and it makes the world a lot nicer of a place.”
Spencer joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Spencer serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for the educational benefits,” Spencer said. “I wanted to be able to go to college for free. I also wanted the experiences the Navy offers, such as teaching others, because I know the skills I learn here can be valuable outside of the Navy as well.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Spencer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for being a work center supervisor,” Spencer said. “I am proud of that because it shows I am capable of leading others in a way that is successful, whether it is in their work or personal lives.”
Spencer 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 providing help to others when needed,” Spencer said.
Spencer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Jami Tait, for always being supportive of anything I do,” Spencer added.
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.
Spencer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for being a work center supervisor,” Spencer said. “I am proud of that because it shows I am capable of leading others in a way that is successful, whether it is in their work or personal lives.”
Spencer 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 providing help to others when needed,” Spencer said.
Spencer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Jami Tait, for always being supportive of anything I do,” Spencer added.