SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Thompson, a native of Hooksett, New Hampshire, joined the Navy for a meaningful career and to continue a family tradition.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
“I knew the military was going to be my best option and my grandfather was Navy,” said Thompson.
Now, 11 years later, Thompson serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“Despite its size, you know everybody. It's actually very rewarding,” said Thompson.
Thompson, a 2008 graduate of Manchester High School West, is an information systems technician aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“My division runs network security for the data systems on board," said Thompson. "I've been temporarily working on a tiger team that maintains corrects and repairs water-tight closures.”
Now, 11 years later, Thompson serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“Despite its size, you know everybody. It's actually very rewarding,” said Thompson.
Thompson, a 2008 graduate of Manchester High School West, is an information systems technician aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“My division runs network security for the data systems on board," said Thompson. "I've been temporarily working on a tiger team that maintains corrects and repairs water-tight closures.”
Thompson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Hooksett.
“Shoveling snow taught me that toughing through a difficult task will yield positive results,” said Thompson.
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.
“Working around members of a different service who do things differently, you learn the true meaning of patience,” said Thompson.
Serving in the Navy means Thompson 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, Thompson is most proud of a major project he completed on a previous ship.
“When I was stationed on USS Bonhomme Richard, I rebuilt a vital tactical system that provided common operating pictures for combat information center,” said Thompson. “It allows us to see all the ships and aircraft in the vicintity for tactical and navigational awareness. The system also transmits that information between all ships in the readiness group. The system is crucial for underway operations. We got replacement hardware right before we departed, and we were able to get it up and running while we were underway.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Thompson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Shoveling snow taught me that toughing through a difficult task will yield positive results,” said Thompson.
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.
“Working around members of a different service who do things differently, you learn the true meaning of patience,” said Thompson.
Serving in the Navy means Thompson 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, Thompson is most proud of a major project he completed on a previous ship.
“When I was stationed on USS Bonhomme Richard, I rebuilt a vital tactical system that provided common operating pictures for combat information center,” said Thompson. “It allows us to see all the ships and aircraft in the vicintity for tactical and navigational awareness. The system also transmits that information between all ships in the readiness group. The system is crucial for underway operations. We got replacement hardware right before we departed, and we were able to get it up and running while we were underway.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Thompson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.