SAN DIEGO - A native of San Diego, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Boxer, which is homeported in San Diego.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Capt. Brian Holmes, a 1997 Azusa Pacific University graduate, joined the Navy 24 years ago.
“My father was the chief engineer onboard USS Constellation,” said Holmes. “I grew up in a military family and wanted to follow in my family's footsteps.”
Today, Holmes serves as the USS Boxer’s executive officer.
An executive officer is responsible for working behind the scenes to ensure the ship continues to operate efficiently and as a team.
Holmes relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in San Diego to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me that whatever your goals are, you can accomplish them,” Holmes said. “There's going to be setbacks and there's going to be hard work, but it's amazing when you finally accomplish your dreams.”
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.
Serving in the Navy means Holmes 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.
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 Holmes have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Seeing sailors go on to do great things gives me great pride to know that I've been able to be a part of their lives,” said Holmes.
As Holmes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“There's a great quote by John Adams, in which he says he studies war and politics so his children can study philosophy and math,” Holmes said. “Serving in the Navy sets up my children and grandchildren for a better future.”