U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A St. Mary’s, Georgia, native and 2015 Camden County High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
A Navy hospital corpsman, Scandrett is responsible for the medical care of the crew and ensuring they are medically, physically and mentally ready to deploy. Corpsmans' medical scope ranges from basic vitals to performing emergency intervention.
Scandrett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in St. Mary’s .
“Learning to help the people you work with to complete a task makes doing your job a lot smoother," said Scandrett. "Teamwork will help you succeed with the right people.”
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, Scandrett is most proud of the medical knowledge she has gained over the years.
“I have had the opportunity to teach others to help save a life,” said Scandrett.
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 Scandrett 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 Scandrett, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Scandrett is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My mom is currently in the Navy,” said Scandrett. “She taught me that hard work, dedication and the tuition assistance offered through the Navy college program can help me achieve my dreams of becoming a neurologist.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Scandrett 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 for me means making the sacrifice to leave my family to better myself so that one day I can come back to contribute to my community with the resources I have been given throughout my career,” added Scandrett.