U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – An Indianapolis native and Pike High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty Officer 1st Class Erika Moore has served in the Navy for 14 years and is a U.S. Navy yeoman aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.As a Navy yeoman, Moore is responsible for taking care of the crew administratively.
Moore credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Indianapolis.
“Hoosier hospitality! Being kind and a sense of community is important,” said Moore.
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, Moore is most proud of paying off college loans, meeting and expanding her family.
“My life is amazing now,” said Moore.
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 Moore 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 Moore, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Moore is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“I have family that have served in the military,” said Moore. “What influenced me to join the Navy is the ability to travel the world, be challenged mentally and physically and pay off college loans.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Moore 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 military is serving the community and creating partnerships globally,” added Moore.