MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Deniya Austell, a native of Brunswick, Georgia, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Austell, a 2018 graduate of Mcintosh Academy, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy for a better quality of living,” said Austell. "I am able to provide benefits and financial security for my family."
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 Austell 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.
“There are several branches of the military that keep our country secure and the Navy plays a vital role in protecting our nation,” said Austell. "The Navy is important in projecting power in the air, on the ground and at sea.”
Austell and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being able to help my brothers and sisters in a time of distress during the USS Bonhomme Richard fire,” said Austell. "It is rewarding seeing all of your training come together and in use."
As Austell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I am proud to serve in the Navy,” said Austell. "It means a lot to me to stand up for all the service members that have fallen for this country."
Austell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my husband for being there for me no matter what,” added Austell. "He's pushed me beyond limits I didn't even know I had. I appreciate him for all he has done for our child.”