MAYPORT, Fla. - Chief Petty Officer Alexis Tisdale, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Tisdale, a 2010 graduate of Catonsville High School, joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to be able to provide protection for my family and others alike,” said Tisdale. "I enjoy learning about other cultures, so traveling the world for free is a bonus."
Today, Tisdale relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Baltimore to succeed in the military.
“I learned it doesn't matter if you like someone or not,” said Tisdale. "You still have to work as a team to accomplish the mission and return home safely."
These lessons have helped Tisdale while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham 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 Jason Dunham. 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 Tisdale 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 vital in maintaining an invisible border across the seas,” said Tisdale. “That provides protection for our families to live their day-to-day safely.”
Tisdale and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is my sailors,” said Tisdale. "The greatest feeling is seeing the sailors I have trained work and succeed."
As Tisdale 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 makes me full of pride,” said Tisdale. "I serve with honor and I would do it all over again if I had to."
Tisdale is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for signing the papers allowing me to join,” said Tisdale. "I would also like to thank my family, my friends, and all who support the Navy when we are deployed."
“Joining the Navy has allowed me to complete free college courses, purchase a home and provide everything I need to raise my son,” added Tisdale.