SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Siaway, a native of Liberia, West Africa, serves aboard USS Jack H. Lucas, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
Siaway graduated from the College of West Africa in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Liberia.
“I learned growing up to always listen to those who have come before me and to stay humble,” Siaway said. “I also learned to seek help from others because if not, I’ll become lost. You have people who can teach you a lot. I also learned to have a strong work ethic from school, which is something I have utilized throughout my career.”
Siaway joined the Navy 15 months ago. Today, Siaway serves as a machinist’s mate.
“My wife talked me into joining the Navy,” Siaway said. “I also knew I wanted to be a sailor after I interacted with a few of them and did my own research.”
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 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.
Siaway has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of graduating as a top sniper from ‘A’ School because I studied hard for it and it made me eligible to pick up the next rank,” Siaway said.
Siaway 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 has given me a sense of duty,” Siaway said. “It makes me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Siaway is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Siaway graduated from the College of West Africa in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Liberia.
“I learned growing up to always listen to those who have come before me and to stay humble,” Siaway said. “I also learned to seek help from others because if not, I’ll become lost. You have people who can teach you a lot. I also learned to have a strong work ethic from school, which is something I have utilized throughout my career.”
Siaway joined the Navy 15 months ago. Today, Siaway serves as a machinist’s mate.
“My wife talked me into joining the Navy,” Siaway said. “I also knew I wanted to be a sailor after I interacted with a few of them and did my own research.”
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 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.
Siaway has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of graduating as a top sniper from ‘A’ School because I studied hard for it and it made me eligible to pick up the next rank,” Siaway said.
Siaway 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 has given me a sense of duty,” Siaway said. “It makes me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Siaway is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Joseph and Theresa Siaway, for their support and for always making sure I was making the right decision,” Siaway added. “They have been there for me every step of the way. I also want to thank my wife, Kula Sarpong, for being supportive and for always staying by my side, even when times were rough. She brings joy to my life and always makes me smile. I want to thank my brother, Elnah Siaway, and my sister, Lawresa Toomey, as well for being there for me through thick and thin and for the fun times we had growing up together. My big sister was always there to get us out of trouble. She was supportive, took initiative and created an outlet for us to have someone to talk to. Lastly, I want to thank my division for welcoming me and for treating me like one of their own. They invited me in like their family and have helped me every step of the way. My division shows me the right things to do, and they have answered every question I’ve had to help me be successful in the Navy.”