Richmond native serves aboard USS Iwo Jima

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. –A Richmond, Virginia, native is serving aboard USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Elie John-Ross Eklou serves as a Navy culinary specialist. 

"As a culinary specialist, you can fulfill your passions for food and organization," said Eklou. "The job requires leadership skills and depth knowledge about the food industry. Onboard Iwo Jima, everyone needs to eat and cooks are professionals at making the experience wholly enjoyable. As long as the culinary specialist rate will be a part of the Supply Department, it will be the center of anything onboard because we boost the morale and put smiles on sailors' faces. It is an essential rate."

Eklou joined the Navy to fulfill a lifelong dream of service. 

"I joined the Navy because first of all, I've been dreaming since my childhood to be part of the U.S. Armed Forces, so it is just my dream come true" said Eklou. Second, I've given myself some challenges and by joining the Navy, I proved that I can push my limits so far and outrun the expectations people have about me. Serving in the US Navy means a lot to me."

According to Eklou, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Richmond.

"I am called to work in any kind of situation no matter how it is; I have the ability, confidence and leadership skills to get more from me and from others," said Eklou. 

Iwo Jima is the seventh Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the second ship in the U.S. Navy to bear that name. The ship was named for the Battle of Iwo Jima of World War II.

According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.

Eklou's favorite part of working onboard Iwo Jima is the camaraderie between sailors and good leadership. 

"Talking about my division (S2), even though we are here for professional reasons, we also look for each other," said Eklou. "We're all like a family and always work as a team. We have good leadership that actually do their possible best to push the junior sailors very high and also to achieve their goals either professional or personal. S-2 is the best division onboard Iwo Jima."

Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Eklou is most proud of achieving the rank of petty officer third class and earning the surface and air pins. 

"I have been on Iwo Jima for one year so far," said Eklou. I've accomplished a lot so far but I am not done yet. I am still working on some. I am hungry for more achievements." 

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Eklou, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

"Serving in the Navy means a lot to me," added Eklou. "First of all, it is a pure grace for me to be in the U.S. Armed Forces and then serve the United States of America. Born in France and raised in West Africa (Togo), here I am today. I do not regret my choice. After all, I am in the World's Greatest Navy. I am proud to serve and to represent the U.S. flag. "