NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Darius Debardelleben, a sailor from Chiriqui, Panama, 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 |
Debardelleben graduated from Ellison High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chiriqui.
“My hometown taught me adaptability and the importance of learning to think on my feet,” Debardelleben said. “Those lessons have been important in my Navy career.”
Debardelleben joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Debardelleben serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world,” Debardelleben said. “I’ve also always wanted to be a pirate.”
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.
Debardelleben has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Picking up second class rank off the test the first time,” Debardelleben said. “That’s my greatest accomplishment so far.”
Debardelleben 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 opportunity and being able to represent not only the U.S. but your family too,” Debardelleben said.
Debardelleben is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m thankful for my family—mom, dad, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and friends,” Debardelleben added. “Their support means everything to me.”