U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – Most Americans would agree that communications are a vital part of their lives. The same is true for the U.S. Navy. Instead of using smart phones and tablets, a group of sailors stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, use the most-advanced satellite and telecommunications equipment to share vital information with sailors deployed around the world.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Maria Given, a 2007 Braxton County High School graduate and native of Frametown, West Virginia, has served in the Navy for nine years and is assigned to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific. As a Navy electronics technician, Given is responsible for maintaining and repairing electronics ranging from radars to radios.
Given credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Frametown.
“I leaned the importance of learning and letting go of the past to open doors to a better future,” said Given.
NCTAMS Pacific is the center of communications for the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. They provide command, control, communications, computers and intelligence connectivity to Naval and Joint forces from San Diego to Singapore and beyond. NCTAMS Pacific is the largest naval communications station in the world, known as the “Pacific Voice of Command.”
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
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.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Given is serving in a part of the world that is taking on 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.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Given is most proud of making a change to join an exciting career field that pays her to live near the beach.
“I have new opportunities in the Navy while living in paradise,” said Given.
Although, serving in the Navy is not a continuing tradition of military service for Given, she is honored to pierce the veil.
“I am the first to serve in the U.S. Navy,” said Given. “Where I grew up, I was very poor. The Navy has allowed me to break the cycle of poverty and perhaps that will serve as an example for others to break free as well.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Given 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 I can make different choices that lead to financial independence,” added Given.