MAYPORT, Fla. - Five years ago, Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurin Robinson, a native of Pensacola, Florida, joined the Navy because she wanted to carry on her grandfather’s legacy and is now serving on the staff of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anna-Liesa Hussey |
Robinson is an information systems technician (IT) who is responsible for network administration, database management and computer hardware and software implementation.
“I love being an IT because the skills acquired in the rate are translatable and relevant,” said Robinson.
Robinson is 2010 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. According to Robinson, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pensacola.
“You have to choose to either work hard to make something of yourself or opt to fall to peer pressure and become stagnant," said Robinson. "In the end, you must own up to the life you choose."
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.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and career, Robinson is most proud of accomplishing a seven-month deployment, in 2016, aboard the USS Roosevelt (DDG-80).
“I love being an IT because the skills acquired in the rate are translatable and relevant,” said Robinson.
Robinson is 2010 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. According to Robinson, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pensacola.
“You have to choose to either work hard to make something of yourself or opt to fall to peer pressure and become stagnant," said Robinson. "In the end, you must own up to the life you choose."
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.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and career, Robinson is most proud of accomplishing a seven-month deployment, in 2016, aboard the USS Roosevelt (DDG-80).
“That deployment tested my skills not only as an IT, but as a true sailor," said Robinson. "We faced many challenges that tested everything I had learned from my time in recruit training through “A” school, and pushed me to retain and apply valuable knowledge quickly."
For Robinson, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one she hopes to continue.
“My grandfather served as a cook in World War II and he stayed in the Navy for 28 years,” said Robinson. “I love that I am able to carry on his legacy.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Robinson, 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.
“To me, serving in the Navy means selflessness, adapting constantly to changing scenarios, and sacrifice,” said Robinson.
For Robinson, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one she hopes to continue.
“My grandfather served as a cook in World War II and he stayed in the Navy for 28 years,” said Robinson. “I love that I am able to carry on his legacy.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Robinson, 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.
“To me, serving in the Navy means selflessness, adapting constantly to changing scenarios, and sacrifice,” said Robinson.