SAN DIEGO. – Lt. Cmdr. Mark Greenslade, a native of Miami, Florida, joined the Navy 27 years ago. Today, Greenslade serves aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to fly airplanes,” said Greenslade. "My sister was in the Navy and she told me that the Navy had opportunities for flying. Since joining the Navy I've had the opportunity to work on aircraft as an aviation maintenance officer."
Greenslade uses the same skills and values learned in Miami to succeed in the military.
“In Miami I was taught the importance of hard work,” said Greenslade. "You see that in the immigrant communities that are working hard and striving to get ahead. That's helped me in the Navy because, obviously, hard work always pays off."
These lessons have helped Greenslade 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 continue to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Serving in the Navy means Greenslade 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 has many roles, from space, air and land,” said Greenslade. "We have a strategic model that allows us to keep not just the U.S. safe, but that also keeps our allies safe as well."
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.”
Greenslade and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is every time I can help a junior sailor succeed,” said Greenslade. "That's always a great accomplishment."
As Greenslade 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 devotion to your country and giving thanks to those who have served before and kept this country safe,” added Greenslade. "As a sailor, I get to carry on that legacy."
Greenslade uses the same skills and values learned in Miami to succeed in the military.
“In Miami I was taught the importance of hard work,” said Greenslade. "You see that in the immigrant communities that are working hard and striving to get ahead. That's helped me in the Navy because, obviously, hard work always pays off."
These lessons have helped Greenslade 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 continue to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Serving in the Navy means Greenslade 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 has many roles, from space, air and land,” said Greenslade. "We have a strategic model that allows us to keep not just the U.S. safe, but that also keeps our allies safe as well."
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.”
Greenslade and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is every time I can help a junior sailor succeed,” said Greenslade. "That's always a great accomplishment."
As Greenslade 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 devotion to your country and giving thanks to those who have served before and kept this country safe,” added Greenslade. "As a sailor, I get to carry on that legacy."