NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Davis III, a native of Fort Myers, Florida, 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 |
Davis graduated from DeSoto High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Myers.
“My hometown taught me how to survive, grind and work hard,” Davis said. “I also learned the value of perseverance from my father, who served in the Navy. He taught me how to accomplish my goals and be a hard worker, and those lessons shaped my approach to my Navy career.”
Davis joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Davis serves as an air traffic controller.
“My father served in the Navy for 30 years, and I joined to follow in his footsteps,” Davis said. “His service inspired me to join and continue the legacy.”
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.
Davis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being named Instructor of the Quarter at Naval Air Technical Training Center Pensacola,” Davis said. “It was a great honor to be recognized for my hard work and dedication.”
Davis 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 been a means to an end,” Davis said. “It’s been the perfect way for me to grow from a boy to a man while also providing for my family.”
Davis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to give a special shoutout to my amazing parents, my supportive siblings, my wonderful wife and my two boys,” Davis added. “Their love and unwavering support have been my strength, and I’m beyond grateful for them every day.”