Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 1st Class Davtarica Hodge, a Louisville, Kentucky, native, joined the Navy to travel the world.
Now, eight years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Hodge serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“It is challenging being this far from home,” said Hodge. “At the end of the day, it is worth knowing I am doing my part to keep 5th Fleet safe.”
Hodge, a graduate of Central High School, is an intelligence specialist at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“It is my job to provide critical intelligence and protect all Navy assets in Bahrain,” said Hodge.
Hodge credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Louisville.
“I have learned to never give up and go for what you want out of life,” said Hodge.
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
“My job is an essential part of the overall mission here,” said Hodge. “Being part of this team is something I will never forget.”
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“The culture is very unique in the Middle East,” said Hodge. “I enjoy being able to travel overseas and learn a different language.”
Serving in the Navy means Hodge is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Hodge is most proud of receiving the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in 2017.
“I am proud of this because it shows that you can give back and help others while serving in the military,” said Hodge. “A lot of the people I helped at the Miami-based homeless shelter were prior service or retired veterans.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hodge and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means defending our country and protecting our freedom,” said Hodge.
“It is challenging being this far from home,” said Hodge. “At the end of the day, it is worth knowing I am doing my part to keep 5th Fleet safe.”
Hodge, a graduate of Central High School, is an intelligence specialist at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“It is my job to provide critical intelligence and protect all Navy assets in Bahrain,” said Hodge.
Hodge credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Louisville.
“I have learned to never give up and go for what you want out of life,” said Hodge.
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
“My job is an essential part of the overall mission here,” said Hodge. “Being part of this team is something I will never forget.”
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“The culture is very unique in the Middle East,” said Hodge. “I enjoy being able to travel overseas and learn a different language.”
Serving in the Navy means Hodge is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Hodge is most proud of receiving the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in 2017.
“I am proud of this because it shows that you can give back and help others while serving in the military,” said Hodge. “A lot of the people I helped at the Miami-based homeless shelter were prior service or retired veterans.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hodge and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means defending our country and protecting our freedom,” said Hodge.