NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Emily Courtois, a native of Covington, Georgia, serves aboard USS Wasp, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Courtois graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Covington.
“Junior ROTC taught me the valuable lessons of discipline and having a strong work ethic,” Courtois said. “Those lessons have played a big role in shaping my Navy career.”
Courtois joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Courtois serves as a personnel specialist.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and further my education,” Courtois said. “It was also the perfect opportunity to explore new places and continue learning.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Wasp, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Wasp with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
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.
Courtois has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My greatest accomplishment so far has been joining the Navy's Esports team,” Courtois said. “I was the first girl to do so, and I had the opportunity to compete in games like, ‘Overwatch’, ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Valorant’.”
Courtois serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the military provided me with the stability I needed in my life,” Courtois said. “It also gives me a sense of purpose and allows me to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Courtois is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, Charles, for being my support system and my number one fan,” Courtois added. “His encouragement has always been a driving force for me.”