SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Candice Kelchner, a native of Lawton, Oklahoma, joined the Navy to travel the world.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
Now, 13 years later, Kelchner serves aboard one of the Navy's amphibious ships at Naval Base San Diego.
Kelchner, a 2002 graduate of Lawton High School, is a culinary specialist aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“Currently I'm a wardroom cook for the officers aboard,” said Kelchner. “It's fast-paced always go, go, go,” said Kelchner.
Kelchner credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lawton.
“I was taught to stay true to yourself,” said Kelchner.
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 Kelchner 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, Kelchner is most proud of having earned two warfare qualifications. These are qualifications that sailors earn by studying and watchstanding, each one can take up to three years to complete.
“It proves I can do what I set my mind to doing,” said Kelchner.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied upon assets, Kelchner and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Being in the Navy means that I'm proud to be able to serve my country and keep people safe,” said Kelchner.
Kelchner, a 2002 graduate of Lawton High School, is a culinary specialist aboard USS Essex, one of four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in the Navy, homeported in San Diego.
“Currently I'm a wardroom cook for the officers aboard,” said Kelchner. “It's fast-paced always go, go, go,” said Kelchner.
Kelchner credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lawton.
“I was taught to stay true to yourself,” said Kelchner.
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 Kelchner 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, Kelchner is most proud of having earned two warfare qualifications. These are qualifications that sailors earn by studying and watchstanding, each one can take up to three years to complete.
“It proves I can do what I set my mind to doing,” said Kelchner.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied upon assets, Kelchner and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Being in the Navy means that I'm proud to be able to serve my country and keep people safe,” said Kelchner.