U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Norton, Virginia, native and 2017 John I. Burton graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Seaman Apprentice Austin Bordlee has served in the Navy for 10 months and is a U.S. Navy ship’s serviceman aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy ship’s serviceman, Bordlee is responsible for maintaining the morale of the crew and making sure they are following regulations when it comes to grooming.
Bordlee credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Norton.
“I was taught to always be respectful to people no matter who they are or where they come from,” said Bordlee.
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, Bordlee is most proud of taking over the ship store.
“I have increased the store sales since I have taken over,” said Bordlee.
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 Bordlee 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 Bordlee, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bordlee is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Air Force and my uncle was a culinary specialist in the Navy,” said Bordlee. “I am happy to carry on the legacy of being in the military but the ability to travel and see the world was my main motivation.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bordlee 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 to serve my country along with exploring places that I have never seen before,” added Bordlee.
As a Navy ship’s serviceman, Bordlee is responsible for maintaining the morale of the crew and making sure they are following regulations when it comes to grooming.
Bordlee credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Norton.
“I was taught to always be respectful to people no matter who they are or where they come from,” said Bordlee.
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, Bordlee is most proud of taking over the ship store.
“I have increased the store sales since I have taken over,” said Bordlee.
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 Bordlee 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 Bordlee, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bordlee is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Air Force and my uncle was a culinary specialist in the Navy,” said Bordlee. “I am happy to carry on the legacy of being in the military but the ability to travel and see the world was my main motivation.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bordlee 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 to serve my country along with exploring places that I have never seen before,” added Bordlee.