MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Sherese Thomas, a native of Crosby, Texas, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, 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 |
Thomas, a 2011 graduate of Juan Seguin High School, joined the Navy eight years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and to pay off college debt,” said Thomas.
Today, Thomas relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Crosby to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown that, just because you are a product of your environment, it doesn’t mean that you have to be your environment,” said Thomas. “You always have a choice to do and be better.”
These lessons have helped Thomas 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 Thomas 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 protects and guards the seas by having a presence around the world,” said Thomas.
Thomas and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are making it to eight years of service, making the rank of petty officer second class, receiving three Navy and Marine Corps Achievements Medals and helping out my junior sailors,” said Thomas.
As Thomas and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the military means I get to be an example to my family, friends and community that there are multiple ways to be successful rather than just going to school,” said Thomas.
Thomas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank everyone that I’ve worked with that has helped me with the knowledge I have today,” added Thomas. “Also, I want to thank my family who supports and motivates me to keep me going.”