U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Hampton, Virgina, native and 2008 Hampton High graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty officer 2nd class Brittany Berkley has served in the Navy for eight years and is a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy hospital corpsman, Berkley is responsible for 360 lives ensuring they are not only well and deplorable but have all the tools and coping methods they need.
Berkley credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Hampton.
“Being a Navy brat I have had many hometowns and what I can take away from this is culture and experience, never make decisions based on appearances,” said Berkley.
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, Berkley is most proud of maintaining a self identity.
“I have grown in my beliefs and have stood strong in my own core values which has made me the sailor I am,” said Berkley.
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 Berkley 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 Berkley, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Berkley is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both parents served enlisted. My mom 20 years as a hull tech and my dad 22 years as a boatswain's mate. I have become their rating child as the hospital corpsman,” said Berkley. “I never wanted to join. Honestly it didn’t hit me until I was getting off the bus at boot camp. I would change it for the world.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Berkley 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 family,”added Berkley.
As a Navy hospital corpsman, Berkley is responsible for 360 lives ensuring they are not only well and deplorable but have all the tools and coping methods they need.
Berkley credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Hampton.
“Being a Navy brat I have had many hometowns and what I can take away from this is culture and experience, never make decisions based on appearances,” said Berkley.
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, Berkley is most proud of maintaining a self identity.
“I have grown in my beliefs and have stood strong in my own core values which has made me the sailor I am,” said Berkley.
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 Berkley 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 Berkley, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Berkley is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“Both parents served enlisted. My mom 20 years as a hull tech and my dad 22 years as a boatswain's mate. I have become their rating child as the hospital corpsman,” said Berkley. “I never wanted to join. Honestly it didn’t hit me until I was getting off the bus at boot camp. I would change it for the world.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Berkley 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 family,”added Berkley.