NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Chama Laine, a native of Broward, Florida, serves aboard USS George H.W. Bush, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sylvie Carafiol, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Laine graduated from Coral Springs High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Broward.
“I learned early on that discipline and respect are essential to being successful in life and definitely are key to success in the Navy,” Laine said.
Laine joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Laine serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be an asset and example for my hometown,” Laine said. "America has been good to me, and serving in the U.S. military is the best way to show my gratitude."
Commissioned in 2009, the aircraft carrier is named for George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States and a former naval aviator. The ship was the first aircraft carrier to have its namesake participate in its christening.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
The Navy’s aircraft carriers are among the largest warships in the world. Bush is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Laine has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being able to help the junior Sailors on a personal and professional level,” Laine said.
Laine 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 I have to pay attention to every detail because it could mean someone's life if you don't,” Laine said.
Laine is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Ebel Laine, and my mother, Yvonnette Luma Laine, for influencing me and raising me to be the man I am today,” Laine added. "I also want to thank my cousin, Sheelove Vincent, for trusting in me and believing in my ability to succeed."
“I am constantly seeking more qualifications so I can be a better asset to the Navy,” Laine said. "Right now, I see myself making the Navy my career. You never know what may happen, but for now, I am focused on someday retiring from the Navy."