MAYPORT, Fla. – Lieutenant Carter Bowman, a native of Burlington, North Carolina, 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 |
“Several of my family members served in the Navy, including grandfathers on both my father and mother's side,” said Bowman. "Joining was also a great opportunity to travel and pay for school."
Growing up in Burlington, Bowman attended Walter M. Williams High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Bowman finds the values in Burlington similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in Burlington, I learned the value of a strong work ethic,” said Bowman. "I also learned a love of the outdoors and travel."
These lessons have helped Bowman 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 Bowman 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 core missions of the Navy mean we deploy around the world contesting excessive claims to territorial waters,” said Bowman. "Having a forward presence helps others see our capabilities around the world."
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 Bowman is most proud of serving as a communication officer aboard the destroyer USS Chafee, based in Pearl Harbor and deployed to the Western Pacific.
“We successfully completed the communication certification event ahead of schedule,” said Bowman. “Hard work and determination got us through that.”
As Bowman and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Servant leadership is important to me,” added Bowman. "I love working with our sailors. They're what makes the job worth it. Before joining the Navy I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into. I joined for college, but once I got in, I was reminded of growing up in a small town in North Carolina. Everyone's like family, and we have similar values in the Navy.”