SAN DIEGO – Seaman Sarah Fischer, a native of Gautier, Mississippi, serves the U.S. Navy with Mine Division TWELVE operating out of San Diego, California.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Fischer joined the Navy almost two years ago. Today, Fischer serves as an operations specialist.
“My parents were in the Navy and hearing their stories inspired me to join too,” said Fischer. "Also, I wanted to see the world and I knew that was one of the perks of joining the Navy."
Growing up in Gautier, Fischer attended Gautier High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Fischer uses the same skills and values learned in Gautier to succeed in the military.
“I was always taught the importance of being coachable and teachable,” said Fischer. "If you can't learn new things then you can't grow as a person."
California has thirty-two military bases within its borders, which is more than any other state. According to Navy officials, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps’ bases are clustered most heavily around San Diego.
Serving in the Navy means Fischer 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 contributes to national security by always protecting our homeland while in and out at sea,” said Fischer.
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.
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.”
Fischer and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is helping to commission the USS Tripoli,” said Fischer. "I was also nominated for Blue Jacket of the Quarter, which was a huge achievement."
As Fischer and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being brave enough to take the oath,” added Fischer. "You have to be selfless enough to put others before yourself."