SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Bryan Hammond, a native of The Colony, Texas, joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Hammond serves as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I played sports growing up and the Navy reminded me of the team type of mentality,” said Hammond.
Growing up in The Colony, Hammond attended The Colony High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Hammond uses the same skills and values learned in The Colony to succeed in the military.
“I grew up always having to work for things and that definitely helps me in the Navy,” he said. “I know that with hard work and perseverance, I can get done what I need to get done.”
These lessons continue to help Hammond 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 Hammond 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.
“It's important to keep threats away from our shores,” said Hammond. “We work hard every day to protect the American way of life.”
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.”
Hammond and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Watching my sailors grow makes me incredibly proud,” said Hammond. “Being able to guide them and see their accomplishments is a great feeling.”
As Hammond 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.
“It's an honor to serve in the Navy,” added Hammond. “Not everyone gets to do the things I do or see the things I see. I'm grateful to be a part of the naval tradition.”