GROTON, Conn. – Seaman Darian W. Phillips, a native of Los Angeles, California, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base Groton.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Phillips, a Crenshaw High School graduate, joined the Navy a year and a half ago.
“I joined the Navy because I was looking for higher career opportunities,” said Phillips. “I also felt it would look good on my resume and I would learn new skills.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Los Angeles are important to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Los Angeles the importance of responsibility,” said Phillips. “I'm using that skill every day here 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, Phillips 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 protect our country from outside forces,” said Phillips. “We patrol the seas and keep the waters safe. We also serve the people in our country who need help.”
Phillips is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm thankful for my parents, definitely,” said Phillips. “Without them, I wouldn't be here.”
As Phillips and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy means stepping out of my comfort zone and doing whatever it takes to be the best at what I’m doing,” added Phillips. “It means challenging myself and being the best me I could possibly be. The Navy has been an awesome experience. It brought something out of me that I couldn't even dream of. I feel like I've accomplished so much already.”