MAYPORT, Fla. – Senior Chief Petty Officer Isaiah Mills, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, 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 |
“My brother's best friend, Courtney Harris, joined the Navy, and when he came home on leave, he encouraged me to visit a recruiter,” said Mills. "I've never looked back. Courtney retired as a senior chief hospital corpsman."
Growing up in Memphis, Mills attended Sheffield High School and graduated in 1999. Today, Mills finds the values in Memphis similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Integrity and being a man of your word were important values I learned growing up in Memphis,” said Mills. "In the military, doing the right thing is the foundation we build on. Making sure you do it right the first time means we don't have to do rework."
These lessons have helped Mills 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 Mills 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.
“Maritime superiority and forward presence means that everyone knows we can be wherever we're needed,” said Mills.
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 Mills is most proud of his tour at the White House and earning the rank of chief petty officer while serving there.
“I served from 2011 through 2015 in the White House military office,” said Mills. "My job was a maintenance technician team leader."
As Mills and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving is a sacrifice for my family to be free,” added Mills. "The Navy is not just my job, it's my family. I enjoy being in the Navy. The Navy saved my life. I didn't grow up having a lot, so the Navy offered me great opportunities. I feel like I owe the Navy everything."