SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Shola Owolabi, a native of Illoffa, Kwara, in Nigeria, joined the Navy to make a change in his life.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
“I've always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself," said Owolabi. "I was lacking discipline and I knew I would get it in the Navy,.
Now, two years later, Owolabi serves aboard one of the Navy’s amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
“My Navy journey has been adventurous and it's been home," said Owolabi. "I don’t want to get out, I don’t really know what else I would do,”
Owolabi, a 2000 graduate of Government College Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria, is an aviation boatswain's mate aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“I work below deck purifying fuel before we send it to the flight deck for loading into aircraft,” said Owolabi. “Aircraft must have fuel and if there is any contamination, the effects are disastrous.”
Owolabi credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Nigera.
“Whatever you do, put your best into it,” said Owolabi.
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.
“I worked with a number of Marines on deployment when I was working in the galley," said Owolabi. "They always liked being around me because I was older and had things to say. I still keep in touch with some of them.”
Serving in the Navy means Owolabi 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, Owolabi is most proud of being a career counselor for his division.
“I'm entrusted to give good advice and take care of the other sailors in my division,” said Owolabi.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Owolabi 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 part of something bigger than you and playing your part so the bigger goal is achieved,” said Owolabi.