MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Victoria Davies, a native of Rice, Virginia, serves aboard USS Indianapolis, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Davies graduated from Bluestone High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rice.
“I grew up with a single mom,” Davies said. “Seeing how hard she worked to provide for me and my twin sister influenced me to have a strong work ethic.”
Davies joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Davies serves as an engineman.
“My grandpa did 20 years in the Army, and growing up listening to his stories made me want to join,” Davies said. “I chose the Navy specifically because I fell in love with ships and being out to sea.”
A Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Indianapolis is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. Crews aboard the ship can operate unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles. These ships can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.
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.
Davies has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of all the training that I provide to our junior sailors,” Davies said. “Seeing the light shine in their eyes when they finally understand a concept never gets old.”
Davies serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I love my country, I love being out to sea and I love my job as an engineman,” Davies said. “It means everything to me that I get to serve and do what I love every day. There's no other place I would rather be.”
Davies is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom and my grandparents,” Davies said. “Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I also want to thank my sister for being there for me during the hard days and for keeping me motivated.”