SAN DIEGO - A native of Owings Mills, Maryland, 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 Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Seaman Jada Campbell, a 2019 Franklin High School graduate, joined the Navy almost two years ago.
“My dad served in the Navy for nine years,” said Campbell. “Growing up and hearing stories of his service inspired me to join the military.”
Campbell relies upon skills and values from lessons learned growing up to succeed in the military.
“I learned to adapt from a young age,” said Campbell. “I moved around a lot growing up. I learned to meet new people and get along with them. I learned to be kind and to be generous. That has helped me help others at my command.”
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 Campbell 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 the force that goes out to sea to protect U.S. citizens and the sea lanes,” said Campbell.
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 Campbell, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is getting my job qualifications,” said Campbell. “I'm one of the top seamen on board with the highest level of qualifications. I'm also proud of my volunteer work. When I'm not at work I volunteer with Meals on Wheels – that's something I didn't get to do before I joined the Navy.”
As Campbell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Keeping a professional standard for myself and making my family proud is important to me,” Campbell said. “My father always stays on me about what I'm doing and that helps me push myself every day. I know he is proud right now.”