SAN DIEGO – Seaman Raeshaan Davis, a native of Germany, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Davis serves as a retail services specialist aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“Joining the Navy is a step towards my bigger life goals of bettering myself,” said Davis. “I love that I’ve had the chance to meet lots of people and learn about their backgrounds.”
Today, Davis uses the same skills and values learned in Germany to succeed in the military.
“I want to make sure everything is positive in my environment,” said Davis. “I lived through struggles in my life and want to help others know that they aren't alone. I try to live my life to the fullest with kindness, care and no regrets.”
These lessons have helped Davis while serving in the Navy.
USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.
“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task--get this ship ready,” said Capt. John Kiefaber, USS Tripoli's executive officer. “They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continued to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn't be more proud.”
Serving in the Navy means Davis 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 patrolling the ocean, keeping it safe and protecting and securing it,” said Davis.
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.”
Davis and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of the friendships I’ve formed in the Navy,” said Davis. “I’ve met one-of-a-kind people who I fully trust and know that they have my back. I would rather be recognized for the person or friend I am than get an award.
As Davis 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 the Navy means not only serving to protect my country, but also serving with my friends and gaining and strengthening those personal bonds with my shipmates,” added Davis.