SAN DIEGO - A native of Augusta, Georgia, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Cowpens.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Precious Lane, a 2014 Laney Craft High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted independence and to provide for myself,” said Lane. “The Navy is a great opportunity to achieve success.”
Today, Lane serves as a machinist's mate.
A machinist's mate is responsible for taking care of the many systems on the ship such as the air conditioning systems, providing fresh water for the crew, and supporting other requirements for the ship's readiness.
Lane relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Augusta to succeed in the military.
“My mother taught me that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” said Lane. “This philosophy has helped me to be a great social engineer, which is important on ships.”
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Cowpens is named after the Revolutionary War Battle of Cowpens, a major American victory near Cowpens, South Carolina. The historic battle weakened British attempts to wrest the southern colonies from American control.
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance, according to Navy officials.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, cruisers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any task overseas.
Serving in the Navy means Lane is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is constantly creating more efficient ships with improved capabilities to help protect our national interest,” said Lane.
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “ Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Sailors like Lane have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment came from what could have been a tragedy,” said Lane. “While I was serving on the USS Bonhomme Richard there was a fire. My teammates and I worked together to help save lives onboard the ship. We all worked together to help each other out.”
As Lane and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means bragging rights for my mom,” added Lane. “It also allows me to be a role model for the younger generation. They see me and believe that they can do it too.”