SAN DIEGO - Seaman Apprentice Vincent Erickson, a native of Winchester, California, 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 Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Erickson graduated from Chaparral High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winchester.
“Growing up, I learned to always do things the right way the first time and to take pride in what you do,” Erickson said. “If you don’t do things right the first time you can really put the crew in danger, especially if it’s maintenance. If you do things right the first time, no one’s going to give you any problems.”
Erickson joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Erickson serves as a cryptologic technician (collection).
“My dad is in the Navy and his service inspired me to join,” Erickson said. “He’s been in since I was born. I’ve always looked up to him as a person. I wanted to be able to travel and experience things while setting myself up for the future.”
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.
Erickson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I graduated first in my class at cryptologic technician (collection) ‘A’ School,” Erickson said. “It makes me proud to know I was the best in my class.”
Erickson 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 I’m part of the 1%,” Erickson said. “I’m doing things that not everybody is willing to do.”
Erickson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my dad, my chain of command and all of my peers for their support and guiding me in the right direction,” Erickson added.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winchester.
“Growing up, I learned to always do things the right way the first time and to take pride in what you do,” Erickson said. “If you don’t do things right the first time you can really put the crew in danger, especially if it’s maintenance. If you do things right the first time, no one’s going to give you any problems.”
Erickson joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Erickson serves as a cryptologic technician (collection).
“My dad is in the Navy and his service inspired me to join,” Erickson said. “He’s been in since I was born. I’ve always looked up to him as a person. I wanted to be able to travel and experience things while setting myself up for the future.”
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.
Erickson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I graduated first in my class at cryptologic technician (collection) ‘A’ School,” Erickson said. “It makes me proud to know I was the best in my class.”
Erickson 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 I’m part of the 1%,” Erickson said. “I’m doing things that not everybody is willing to do.”
Erickson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my dad, my chain of command and all of my peers for their support and guiding me in the right direction,” Erickson added.