MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Las Vegas, Nevada, native is serving aboard USS Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship
“I enjoy being able to work on complicated equipment,” said Casteel.
Casteel joined the Navy for the opportunities to travel.
“I joined the Navy because I want to see the world,” said Casteel.
According to Casteel, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Las Vegas.
"I learned to work hard in order to succeed," said Casteel.
Pearl Harbor is designed to deliver Marines and their equipment in support of amphibious operations including landings via Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores.
Homeported in San Diego, Pearl Harbor is longer than two football fields at 610 feet. The ship is 84 feet wide and weighs more than 16,000 tons. It has four diesel engines that can push the ship through the water in excess of 25 mph.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers while serving in the Navy.
"My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was when I became the honor grad in A-school," said Casteel.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Casteel, 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 has gives me a chance to find myself by doing something bigger than myself," added Casteel.