MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. Michael Bauldrick, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Marinette, in Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
Bauldrick, a 2013 graduate of Ridge View High School and 2017 University of South Carolina graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I was mostly inspired by my dad who spent 23 years in the Army,” said Bauldrick. "A major part of me joining the Navy was following in my father's footsteps."
Today, Bauldrick relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Columbia to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in the South, I got to experience Southern hospitality every day,” said Bauldrick. "The Navy is filled with people from all walks of life. “I enjoy being able to bring the politeness that comes with southern living to people who have not experienced it."
These lessons have helped Bauldrick while serving in the Navy.
Marinette is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is unique and challenging. The culmination of their 18-month training pipeline, sailors qualify on a virtual reality simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping on board.
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 Bauldrick 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's main mission is to keep the waterways and shipping lanes open, which contributes to the world economy,” said Bauldrick.
Bauldrick and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was qualifying as Officer of the Deck on my first ship, USS Ramage,” said Bauldrick. "I was finally able to contribute as a role player for the ship's ability to operate at sea."
As Bauldrick 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 being able to work together with people from different walks of life to achieve a common goal,” said Bauldrick. "The Navy definitely means being part of a team.”
Bauldrick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my dad, Gregory Bauldrick,” said Bauldrick. "He had a big impact on what to expect as an officer in the Navy. He gave me a lot of information about serving and leading that I still use today."
“The Navy has introduced me to different interests,” added Bauldrick. "I am currently working on getting information technology certificates that will help me both in and out of the Navy."
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 Bauldrick 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's main mission is to keep the waterways and shipping lanes open, which contributes to the world economy,” said Bauldrick.
Bauldrick and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was qualifying as Officer of the Deck on my first ship, USS Ramage,” said Bauldrick. "I was finally able to contribute as a role player for the ship's ability to operate at sea."
As Bauldrick 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 being able to work together with people from different walks of life to achieve a common goal,” said Bauldrick. "The Navy definitely means being part of a team.”
Bauldrick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my dad, Gregory Bauldrick,” said Bauldrick. "He had a big impact on what to expect as an officer in the Navy. He gave me a lot of information about serving and leading that I still use today."
“The Navy has introduced me to different interests,” added Bauldrick. "I am currently working on getting information technology certificates that will help me both in and out of the Navy."