MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 1st Class James Claypool, a native of Richmond, Virginia, 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 J. Rodriguez |
“I always had an interest in the military lifestyle,” said Claypool. “My uncle is a retired Seabee, and having a family member who was serving inspired me to join.”
Growing up in Richmond, Claypool attended Lloyd C. Bird High School and graduated in 2004. Today, Claypool finds the values in Richmond similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Never hold back and limit yourself with thoughts of ‘I can’t’,” said Claypool. “I found my niche when I joined the Navy because I got to interact with people from all over the world.”
These lessons have helped Claypool 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 Claypool 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 is a show of presence and force all around the world which gives us increased security,” said Claypool.
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 Claypool is most proud of successfully becoming an Independent Duty Corpsman.
“This was something I didn’t think I could ever do because of the intense curriculum,” said Claypool. “You can do more than you think.”
As Claypool and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It’s my natural calling, which I found during my first couple of years in the Navy,” added Claypool. “I truly enjoy it, and keep re-enlisting.”