SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Reena Faulkner, a native of Portage, Indiana, 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 |
Faulkner graduated from Portage High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Portage.
“I moved schools several times growing up which has helped me adapt to different environments in the Navy,” Faulkner said. “My adolescence also taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life. In my profession, I have to interact with a lot of people and I find myself being able to effectively communicate with everyone because of the skills I developed growing up.”
Faulkner joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Faulkner serves as an electrician's mate.
“I always wanted to be in the military,” Faulkner said. "I also knew I wanted to do something interesting. I originally enlisted in the Marine Corps but I ended up separating. I then pursued the Navy after learning more about the culture on the ship. I knew I wanted to work on the ship and I wanted to learn something new that would apply in the civilian sector. My rate provided the opportunity to align all three desires into one."
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.
Faulkner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making petty officer second class in three years,” Faulkner said. "I accomplished this by being committed to excellence on a daily basis. I also made sure to study with my fellow sailors. To have the opportunity to pick up third and second class with my peers was a rewarding experience."
Faulkner 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 fulfilling dreams of serving in the military,” Faulkner said. "I get the opportunity to have my dream career while protecting those I love and the country I love. I know that I will always have a home to come back to because of the work that I do."
Faulkner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my husband first and foremost,” Faulkner said. "My husband has been in the National Guard since 2016. He has always pushed me to succeed in my career and pursue excellence every day. I also want to thank Chief Electrician’s Mate Davis for watching me grow into the leader and sailor I am today.”
Faulkner offered words of advice for those considering a career in the Navy.
“For those who are thinking about joining the Navy, it's going to be very different,” Faulkner added. "It's unlike any experience I had before. Don't be afraid to ask for help in the Navy. We are a family here and we will always be willing to help one another. Your circle is larger than you think. All you need to do is reach out."