NORFOLK, Va. - Seaman Peter Adams, a native of East Moline, Illinois, serves aboard USS Wasp, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Adams graduated from Moline High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in East Moline.
“Swimming in high school taught me the value of perseverance and hard work,” Adams said. “Those lessons have helped me throughout my Navy career.”
Adams joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined because I wanted to keep swimming in my life and do something good for the Navy while I can,” Adams said. “I wanted to be a rescue swimmer; it just took a little longer to get there.”
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.
Adams has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of being a surface swimmer, picking up aviation and being capable of saving someone’s life,” Adams said. “That is my greatest accomplishment so far- being able to save my fellow sailors’ lives if needed.”
Adams serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Being in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than yourself and being a reason why your country is still free,” Adams said.
Adams is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my parents and their unwavering support,” Adams added. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”