SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Garrett Hannon, a native of Lancaster, California, serves the U.S. Navy at Commander Mine Division TWELVE, operating out of San Diego, California.
Hannon joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Hannon serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country,” said Hannon.
Growing up in Lancaster, Hannon attended Desert Junior Senior High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Hannon uses the same skills and values learned in Lancaster to succeed in the military.
“My dad was a Marine, and he taught me how to be a good listener,” said Hannon. That has helped me in the Navy because it allows me to do things properly and not make mistakes.”
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 Hannon 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 interests and deters adversaries by maintaining a constant presence around the world,” said Hannon. “We are a crucial part of our Nation's security.”
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.”
Hannon and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Being awarded the Navy Achievement Medal to assist multiple ships in earning their cyber security certification is my proudest naval accomplishment,” said Hannon.
As Hannon 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.
“Serving in the Navy means I can protect the Nation that I love and my loved ones,” added Hannon.