SAN DIEGO - A native of Burlington, North Carolina, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Cowpens.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Phillip Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Briggs, a 2010 Clover Garden High School graduate, joined the Navy six years ago.
“My brother is in the Army,” said Briggs. “I saw his accomplishments and how much he traveled and wanted the same thing for myself. So, of course I had to join the opposing branch to compete with him.”
Today, Briggs serves as a cryptologic maintenance technician.
A cryptologic maintenance technician is responsible for maintaining specialized equipment that collects data and signals.
Briggs relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Burlington to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to always work hard and that what goes around comes around,” said Briggs. “I believe in karma, so if you live your life treating your work and others with respect, if you do the right things, then the right things will come back to you.”
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 Briggs 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 important to national defense because we maintain foreign relations to help make the world a better place,” said Briggs.
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 Briggs, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being put on a team to build and implement a nationwide network that helps maintain national security,” said Briggs.
As Briggs and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” added Briggs. “It’s a sense of teamwork, community and friendships. It's about being a part of something that’s bigger than myself.”