MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Pocatello, Idaho, native is serving aboard USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy's third Nimitz-class supercarrier.
Seaman Chase Porter serves as a logistics specialist.
Logistics specialists provide diverse logistics and accounting support in a global setting to aviation, surface, subsurface, and expeditionary forces; order, receive, inspect, stow, preserve, package, ship, and issue materials and cargo; operate Navy post offices; account for government materials; and prepare and maintain required forms, records, correspondence, reports, and files.
“A logistics specialist is similar to working in a warehouse and manning a store at the same time,” said Porter.
Porter joined the Navy one year ago to follow a family tradition.
"My dad is in the Air Force, my grandpa was in the Army and my great grandpa was in the Navy,” said Porter. “Now, here I am.”
USS Carl Vinson, homeported in San Diego, California, is named for Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his contributions to the U.S. Navy. The ship was launched in 1980 and undertook her maiden voyage in 1983.
According to Navy officials, USS Carl Vinson is one of only 11 operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today. Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard USS Carl Vinson. Approximately 3,000 men and women make up the ship’s company, and they keep all parts of the aircraft carrier running. They do everything from preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,000 sailors comprise the air wing, the people who fly and maintain the aircraft aboard the ship.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection operations in support of U.S. and coalition forces.
Porter believes the same lessons and skills developed in Pocatello contribute to a successful naval career.
“Growing up in Idaho I was taught to be friendly,” said Porter. “That will get you far in life.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Porter is most proud of the hard work put in.
“My proudest naval accomplishment was being awarded Sailor of the Week for organizing training for my division,” said Porter.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Porter, 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 that I get to do things post others won’t,” added Porter. “I get to help make the world a safe place.”
“Growing up in Idaho I was taught to be friendly,” said Porter. “That will get you far in life.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Porter is most proud of the hard work put in.
“My proudest naval accomplishment was being awarded Sailor of the Week for organizing training for my division,” said Porter.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Porter, 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 that I get to do things post others won’t,” added Porter. “I get to help make the world a safe place.”