SAN DIEGO - A native of McEwen, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Boxer, which is homeported in San Diego.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Caitlyn Edwards, a 2016 McEwen graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel, see the world and to open myself up to new experiences,” said Edwards.
Today, Edwards serves as a gunner's mate.
Edwards is responsible as a crew-served weapons instructor, training and qualifying sailors to shoot the ship’s guns. Edwards is also responsible for running the ship's armory.
Edwards relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in McEwen to succeed in the military.
“My parents taught me to be open and accepting to everyone,” said Edwards. “I am a people person and I like to listen to their stories. They also taught me that hard work pays off.”
Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, commissioned Feb. 11, 1995, and is the sixth U.S. ship to bear the name. The ship recently completed a scheduled maintenance availability and is preparing for upcoming operations.
Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft, according to Navy officials. They also are capable of accessing 75 percent of the world’s beaches.
“The Navy has a strong forward presence around the world to protect the seas and to protect our way of life,” said Edwards.
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 Edwards have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud that I am now leading several of my peers and helping them to achieve success as well,” said Edwards.
As Edwards 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 gives me pride in knowing that kids look up to me and want to be like me,” added Edwards. “Also, people from my hometown can see how I have succeeded with the Navy. I am helping to protect our country.”