MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class A'Yala Perkins, a native of Bradenton, Florida, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Perkins, a 2018 graduate of Manatee High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy because my family did the best they could do, plus more,” said Perkins. “I felt I was more than capable to be on my own and I felt like it was my turn to take care of them.”
Today, Perkins relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Bradenton to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned that manners and remaining humble will get you into places you thought were already closed,” said Perkins. “I’ve also learned that you will get far in life by not only respecting others but also respecting yourself.”
These lessons have helped Perkins while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 Perkins 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 watches over our seas to ensure our family and friends can rest well at night knowing that they are protected,” said Perkins.
Perkins and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
"My proudest accomplishment is making the rank of petty officer second class in two years because, for my rate as a quartermaster, it’s so rare,” said Perkins. “Having respect and humility got me there.”
As Perkins 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 reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to because it can be very challenging at times, but I always persevere,” said Perkins.
Perkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank every person who has been in my corner,” said Perkins. “It hasn’t been an easy journey but their encouragement and love has kept me going.”
“My goal is to make the rank of master chief and lead and mentor sailors,” added Perkins. “I believe I can be the change that the Navy needs. Having the younger generation mindset can change the ways of the old school mentality.”