U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – An Enid, Oklahoma, native and 2008 Enid High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Eads has served in the Navy for nine years and is a U.S. Navy yeoman aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy yeoman, Eads is responsible for all administrative duties.
Eads credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Enid.
“I moved around a lot in group-houses so that helped me to overcome different obstacles and allowed me to adapt quickly to any situation," said Eads. "I also started working at the age of 16 which helped with my work ethic.”
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, Eads is most proud of earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology..
“I started college before I joined the Navy then dropped out, but the Navy helped me become more disciplined," said Eads. "With that, I was able to finish and not to mention, it was free.”
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 Eads 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.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Eads, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Eads is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Pretty much my entire family has served,” said Eads. “I am the first to enlist in the Navy because I just wanted to be different.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Eads 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 means that I am serving a higher purpose," added Eads. "I feel like I have a calling and it helps me push forward.”
As a Navy yeoman, Eads is responsible for all administrative duties.
Eads credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Enid.
“I moved around a lot in group-houses so that helped me to overcome different obstacles and allowed me to adapt quickly to any situation," said Eads. "I also started working at the age of 16 which helped with my work ethic.”
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, Eads is most proud of earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology..
“I started college before I joined the Navy then dropped out, but the Navy helped me become more disciplined," said Eads. "With that, I was able to finish and not to mention, it was free.”
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 Eads 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.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Eads, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Eads is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Pretty much my entire family has served,” said Eads. “I am the first to enlist in the Navy because I just wanted to be different.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Eads 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 means that I am serving a higher purpose," added Eads. "I feel like I have a calling and it helps me push forward.”