MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Scherer, a native of Port St. John, Florida, 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 was looking to make something better of my life,” said Scherer. "I was looking for job opportunities and knew the military offered those opportunities along with travel."
Growing up in Port St. John, Scherer attended Space Coast High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Scherer finds the values in Port St. John similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Learn from your mistakes and always be better than you were yesterday,” said Scherer.
These lessons have helped Scherer 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.
“It's amazing how much travels by the ocean,” said Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen. "When that breaks down, the effects are felt everywhere. The Navy makes sure the law of the sea is upheld and that goods travel freely. We also provide for the overall defense of our country."
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 Scherer 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 protects our waters,” said Scherer. "We're surrounded by water, so the Navy's important for our national defense."
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 Scherer is most proud of earning the rank of E-5.
“It shows that effort and dedication can pay off,” said Scherer.
As Scherer and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I have a sense of pride in myself,” added Scherer. "Serving in the Navy offers a lot of self value. This is something that not a lot of other people do."