By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR –A Chicago native and 2008 John Hope College Prep graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at United States Pacific Command.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Allen, a yeoman, is serving at Camp H. M. Smith in the area of operations where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters is located. According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.
As a yeoman, Allen is the security manager responsible for making sure everyone has proper clearance for their job.
“I was taught integrity grwoing up,” said Allen. “No matter what, just keep pushing forward. I was placed into the secutiry manager and I had to adapt. You are going to make mistakes but as long as you learn from them and don't keep making mistakes, you will be successful.”
Being stationed near Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Allen is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
Allen has military ties with family members who have previously served, and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My aunt, Montia Colbert, is a major in the Army,” said Allen. “I joined as a spur of the moment decision. I wasn't happy with my two jobs. I wanted to do more with my life so I joined the Navy.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Allen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting my family,” added Allen. “If I can do anything to protect them, even if that is sitting in a office, I will do it. I would rather work long hours and be away so that they can sleep peacefully.”