PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen Stewart, a native of Alvin, Texas is serving aboard USS Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite |
Stewart, a 2015 graduate of Alvin High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the adventure,” said Stewart.
Today, Stewart relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Alvin to succeed in the military.
“My grandfather always told me, "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life,”” said Stewart. "That has always helped me find job satisfaction."
These lessons have helped Stewart 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 Stewart 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.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we provide cybersecurity against foreign and domestic terrorists,” said Stewart.
Stewart and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being a subject matter expert,” said Stewart. "I get a lot of calls from the waterfront when other ships need a hand."
As Stewart and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy gives me a chance to travel while I get to serve my country,” said Stewart.
Stewart is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Christopher Jeulich, aka "fluffy," for pushing me to join the Navy,” added Stewart.