PEARL HARBOR – A Chicago native and 2004 T.F. North High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Harris has served in the Navy for 13 years and is a U.S. Navy fire controlman aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy fire controlman, Harris is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a fire control radar weapons system.
Harris credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Chicago.
“I was taught the principle of overcoming obstacles and applying yourself to reach that next level in life,” said Harris.
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Harris is most proud of bringing new sailors in the Navy and helping make that transition from civilian to being successful sailors.
“Their lives have changed for the better and I helped them,” said Harris.
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Harris is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. 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.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Harris and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being dedicated to a cause that is much bigger than yourself. You are working as a team to protect those back home,” added Harris. “I was influenced to join the Navy because of the travel opportunities and see more than Chicagoland. It helped me understand that there is more to life than the hardships a lot of people experience in the inner-city of Chicago.”
As a Navy fire controlman, Harris is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a fire control radar weapons system.
Harris credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Chicago.
“I was taught the principle of overcoming obstacles and applying yourself to reach that next level in life,” said Harris.
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Harris is most proud of bringing new sailors in the Navy and helping make that transition from civilian to being successful sailors.
“Their lives have changed for the better and I helped them,” said Harris.
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Harris is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. 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.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Harris and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being dedicated to a cause that is much bigger than yourself. You are working as a team to protect those back home,” added Harris. “I was influenced to join the Navy because of the travel opportunities and see more than Chicagoland. It helped me understand that there is more to life than the hardships a lot of people experience in the inner-city of Chicago.”