MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 1st Class Vincent Minan, a native of Brooklyn, New York, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patricia Rodriguez |
“I'm a first generation American",” said Minan. "My father is from Mexico and my mother is from Colombia. I wanted to see the world and build a legacy of service for future generations to follow.”
Growing up in Brooklyn, Minan attended Transit Tech High School and graduated in 1999. Today, Minan finds the values in Brooklyn similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“I learned that any organization that embraces diversity empowers strength,” said Minan. "The Navy should continue enlisting as many diverse sailors as possible to meet today's international challenges."
These lessons have helped Minan while serving in the Navy.
Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, the LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.
“Serving as the commanding officer of this ship is a great honor,” said Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen. "We're all part of the USS Indianapolis legacy and being part of this crew is incredible. Meeting these 70 Americans, learning their story, knowing how they are continuing a proud legacy is inspiring."
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an extensive training pipeline, sailors must qualify using state-of-the-art simulators that are nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately once they report aboard.
Serving in the Navy means Minan 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.
“The Navy maintains vigilance through cyber warfare, maintaining sea presence, and enlisting the brightest, most diversified sailors the Navy has ever seen its entire history,” said Minan.
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.
Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet, off the coasts of Central and South America, to support counter-narcotics operations and conduct exercises and exchanges with partner nations. The LCS’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making the ship an ideal vessel for these types of engagements.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Minan is most proud of earning a Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“This NAM was awarded to me a few years after 9/11, so I hold it dear to me as a way to honor those who lost their lives back in my hometown in the twin towers,” said Minan.
As Minan and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the United States Navy is a reminder that this country is the land of opportunity,” added Minan. "We should all preserve our rich heritage and remember all the patriotic service members who have gone before us.”