SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Lloyd Tillman, a native of Mount Vernon, New York, 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 |
Tillman graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mount Vernon.
“I learned growing up that regardless of your situation, you can always overcome obstacles,” Tillman said. "I also learned that the way you carry yourself will always go a long way. Lastly, I learned that coming in with confidence will allow you to perform beyond your expectations.”
Tillman joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Tillman serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted structure and discipline in my life,” Tillman said. "I felt stagnant at the time and the Navy offered the opportunity to travel and pursue more education without going into debt. After working with boatswain’s mates while undesignated, I found myself most aligned with the community."
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.
Tillman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being meritoriously advanced to the rank of petty officer second class,” Tillman said. "I have also been able to see 12 countries while in the Navy. I have had once-in-a-lifetime experiences with people in cities I wouldn't have imagined ever going to. From going to Romania with some of my best friends to being stationed in Rota, the Navy has offered me unforgettable experiences I never would have had in the civilian world.”
Tillman 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 establishing a foundation for my family,” Tillman said. "I have been able to create opportunities for myself and for my daughter as well."
Tillman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife first and foremost,” Tillman added. "She has been the backbone of the family and has supported me every step of the way."