PEARL HARBOR – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Evan Sage, a native of Alton, Illinois is serving aboard USS Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite |
Sage, a 2005 graduate of Alton Senior High School, joined the Navy 18 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because they had a lot of career options in computers and technology,” said Sage.
Today, Sage relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Alton to succeed in the military.
“Coach Joe Hook and his staff taught me to be a team player and were instrumental in my transition to becoming a great sailor and overall community member,” said Sage.
These lessons have helped Sage while serving in the Navy.
USS Daniel Inouye is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Daniel Inouye. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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."
Serving in the Navy means Sage is part of a team 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.
“History tells us that having a weak Navy leads to war,” said Sage. "Maintaining a powerful Navy prevents us from going to war."
Sage and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Making chief, senior chief, and then commissioning to chief warrant officer were my proudest moments in the Navy,” said Sage.
As Sage and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“When you first join the Navy, it is mostly about learning and doing your job,” said Sage. “Now, serving in the Navy means giving back to the people, serving the people and making sure sailors have every opportunity.”
Sage is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Sgt. Bernard and Lt. Col. Baker for inspiring me to get my commission,” said Sage.
“I've been very blessed in my career from the schooling I received from the Navy, as well as college and the experience I gained,” added Sage. "I'll be able to provide a good life for my family and anything my kids need in life, and that was not something I had."