MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Elizabeth Miller, a native of Chewelah, Washington, 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 |
Miller, a 2011 graduate of North Central High School, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to serve my county,” said Miller. "The Navy gives me the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself."
Today, Miller relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Chewelah to succeed in the military.
“I learned respect and humility in Chewelah,,” said Miller. "I am always on time, do what I'm told and work my hardest."
These lessons have helped Miller 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 Miller 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.
“Water is what connects the world,” said Miller. "The U.S. Navy is responsible for protecting that connection and keeping the world safe."
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment was earning my marksman ribbon in boot camp,” said Miller. "My job involves working with firearms and getting that ribbon in boot camp affirmed this is the path I'm supposed to be on."
As Miller 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 means everything to me,” said Miller. "Part of being a good American is serving your country and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
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 Miller 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.
“Water is what connects the world,” said Miller. "The U.S. Navy is responsible for protecting that connection and keeping the world safe."
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment was earning my marksman ribbon in boot camp,” said Miller. "My job involves working with firearms and getting that ribbon in boot camp affirmed this is the path I'm supposed to be on."
As Miller 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 means everything to me,” said Miller. "Part of being a good American is serving your country and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Fire Controlman 1st Class Sara Mason,” added Miller. "She was my Recruit Division Commander in boot camp and my instructor at ‘A’ School. She provided me with valuable lessons I've used throughout my career."