U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Vendy, Illinois, native and 2012 Christ Our Lutheran High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ward Agan has served in the Navy for two years and is a U.S. Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical) aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
As a Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical), Agan is responsible for propulsion, fuel and sea water throughout the ship, as well as, steam and power.
Agan credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Vendy.
“I learned the importance of hard work and using every avenue to complete my task,” said Agan.
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, Agan is most proud of graduating from Basic Engineering Common Core in 2018.
“I was the top of my class,” said Agan.
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 Agan 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 Agan, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Agan is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father is a retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force,” said Agan. “I am continuing the legacy. My dad gave me the advice to become a sailor.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Agan 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 protecting what I love while becoming an expert in what I do,” added Agan.
As a Navy gas turbine systems technician (mechanical), Agan is responsible for propulsion, fuel and sea water throughout the ship, as well as, steam and power.
Agan credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Vendy.
“I learned the importance of hard work and using every avenue to complete my task,” said Agan.
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, Agan is most proud of graduating from Basic Engineering Common Core in 2018.
“I was the top of my class,” said Agan.
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 Agan 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 Agan, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Agan is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My father is a retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force,” said Agan. “I am continuing the legacy. My dad gave me the advice to become a sailor.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Agan 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 protecting what I love while becoming an expert in what I do,” added Agan.