MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Isaiah Edwards, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Marinette, in Mayport, Florida.
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| 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.
Edwards, a 2018 graduate of Flour Bluff High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do new things and experience a new life,” said Edwards. "There wasn't much to do in my small town. I've gotten to see a lot in my time in the Navy."
Today, Edwards relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Corpus Christi to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned that respect will get you the furthest in life,” said Edwards. "You always need to put your best foot forward to do what needs to be done in order to complete this mission."
These lessons have helped Edwards while serving in the Navy.
Marinette will be 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 Edwards 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 helps to protect the rights of people to do what they need to do to live freely,” said Edwards.
Edwards and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was making it through boot camp,” said Edwards. "Finishing boot camp allowed me to get to the fleet and advance to petty officer third class."
As Edwards 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 making my family proud,” said Edwards. "Most of my family have served in the military, so I'm keeping the tradition alive."
Edwards is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I like to thank my family and friends,” said Edwards. "They supported my decision and sacrifices I've made to serve."
“I'm working toward getting my commercial driver's license,” added Edwards. "I want to drive trucks for a living when I leave the Navy."