GROTON, Conn. – Seaman Kobe Bryant, a native of Gretna, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base New London.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Bryant, a 2018 Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the military to experience the lifestyle of the Navy from a different perspective,” said Bryant. "I grew up as a military child so I saw my mom's experiences in the Navy, the camaraderie that she was around and the friendships she built. I wanted to experience it for myself and to someday join my mom in the Chief's Mess or maybe surpass her and join the wardroom."
Skills and values similar to those found in Gretna are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Gretna to be true to myself no matter what, to continue to grind and to be the best I can be,” said Bryant. "Those lessons helped me qualify on watches ahead of schedule and have made me a go-getter for information in the Navy."
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the Navy, Bryant is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we survey the seas,” said Bryant. "Also, we keep a presence around the globe to assist and aid our allies and partners.”
As Bryant 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 the world to me,” said Bryant. "I get to travel the world, meet all the different personalities of the people I'm serving with, and share the experiences with my mom and the people that have seen me become the person I am today."
Bryant is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am grateful for my mentors, Louis Clay and Brandon Hunter, who taught me what it takes to excel in life,” added Bryant. "I'm also grateful for my family who saw how eager and excited I was to join and they supported me. They also made sure I had a letter every week in boot camp. Lastly, I'm grateful for my mom's first command, 900 Division Fleet Readiness Command. They showed up to most of my sporting events, welcomed me into their shop and took care of me."