MAYPORT- Six years ago, Petty Officer 2nd Class Lindsey Rushnell joined the Navy because she wanted to prove to her brother that he could do it, too, and is now serving on the staff of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet.
“The best thing about my job is that it requires teamwork so that everyone has situational awareness about what is going in in our area of operations,” said Rushnell.
Rushnell is a 2013 Palmetto High School graduate and native of Parrish, Florida.
According to Rushnell, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Parrish.
“Growing up in Parrish, I learned the importance of community. Because of this, I am extremely willing to offer and accept help from my shipmates,” said Rushnell.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central, and South American regions.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Rushnell is most proud of being featured as the “U.S. 7th Fleet Spotlight” while she was on the fleet’s staff.
“I was featured because someone took notice of me and the way I was able to incorporate teaching dance to little kids into my Navy life as a community relations activity,” said Rushnell.
Rushnell is the first person in her family to serve since the Vietnam War draft, but she hopes to continue the tradition.
“My brother ended up joining several years after me, and he is currently serving in Bahrain as a master at arms,” said Rushnell. “I am really proud of him and the legacy we are creating.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rushnell, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy to means learning that a team is only as strong as its weakest link, and that you need to come together as a team to ensure that the chain is strong,” said Rushnell. “In a world of uncertainty we need something or someone we can be certain we can depend on, and for me that something is the Navy. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”
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| Photo by Lt. Lily Hinz |
Rushnell is an operations specialist who provides situational awareness to the staff and other higher headquarters through radar, navigation, and communications equipment.
“The best thing about my job is that it requires teamwork so that everyone has situational awareness about what is going in in our area of operations,” said Rushnell.
Rushnell is a 2013 Palmetto High School graduate and native of Parrish, Florida.
According to Rushnell, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Parrish.
“Growing up in Parrish, I learned the importance of community. Because of this, I am extremely willing to offer and accept help from my shipmates,” said Rushnell.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central, and South American regions.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Rushnell is most proud of being featured as the “U.S. 7th Fleet Spotlight” while she was on the fleet’s staff.
“I was featured because someone took notice of me and the way I was able to incorporate teaching dance to little kids into my Navy life as a community relations activity,” said Rushnell.
Rushnell is the first person in her family to serve since the Vietnam War draft, but she hopes to continue the tradition.
“My brother ended up joining several years after me, and he is currently serving in Bahrain as a master at arms,” said Rushnell. “I am really proud of him and the legacy we are creating.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rushnell, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy to means learning that a team is only as strong as its weakest link, and that you need to come together as a team to ensure that the chain is strong,” said Rushnell. “In a world of uncertainty we need something or someone we can be certain we can depend on, and for me that something is the Navy. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”