NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Keresea Illenye, a native of Villa Rica, 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 |
Illenye graduated from Osborne High School in 2002.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Villa Rica.
“In my hometown, I learned a sense of community, work ethic, perseverance and dedication,” Illenye said. “These values have shaped my Navy career and have helped me push through challenges.”
Illenye joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Illenye serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy for the career path it could give me and the job security,” Illenye said. “I also thought it would be fun to travel and explore more job opportunities along the way.”
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.
Illenye has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of making the rank of petty officer second class on my first try,” Illenye said. “It was one of my biggest accomplishments, and I’m proud of how hard I worked to achieve it.”
Illenye serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving to me means protecting my friends and loved ones back home,” Illenye said. “I serve to protect my family and ensure they are safe.”
Illenye is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to shout out and show my appreciation for my husband, my mom and my kids,” Illenye added. “Their support means the world to me, and I couldn’t do this without them.”