SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Darren Bark, a native of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, joined the Navy to travel and see what life is like outside the U.S.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
Now, three years later, Bark serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
Bark, a 2016 graduate of Broken Bow High School, is an interior communications electrician aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I'm responsible for alarms, the announcing system, phones and the entertainment system aboard the ship,” said Bark. “There's a lot of work but it's a friendly environment that makes the work easier.”
Bark credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Broken Bow.
“Don't make things harder than they should be,” said Bark.
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Bark 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.
America is a maritime nation, and 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, Bark is most proud of not giving up.
“Before I came to this ship I wanted to quit the Navy,” said Bark. “It's taught me that I should stick with something and to tough out the hardships.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bark 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 being able to provide a better education for me and also to help people, military and civilians alike,” said Bark.
Bark, a 2016 graduate of Broken Bow High School, is an interior communications electrician aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I'm responsible for alarms, the announcing system, phones and the entertainment system aboard the ship,” said Bark. “There's a lot of work but it's a friendly environment that makes the work easier.”
Bark credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Broken Bow.
“Don't make things harder than they should be,” said Bark.
Essex is designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
Sailors' jobs are highly varied aboard Essex. More than 1,000 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 1,200 Marines can be embarked.
Serving in the Navy means Bark 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.
America is a maritime nation, and 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, Bark is most proud of not giving up.
“Before I came to this ship I wanted to quit the Navy,” said Bark. “It's taught me that I should stick with something and to tough out the hardships.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Bark 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 being able to provide a better education for me and also to help people, military and civilians alike,” said Bark.