MAYPORT, Fla. - Seaman Elijah Evans, a native of Defiance, Missouri, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Evans, a 2021 graduate of Francis Howell High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the unique experience of traveling the world,” said Evans. "I would love to visit Brazil and Italy one day."
Today, Evans relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Defiance to succeed in the military.
“If there is one thing I learned growing up, it's that kindness goes a very long way,” said Evans. "Even the smallest acts can help others around you and they often come around when you need it the most.
These lessons have helped Evans 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 Evans 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 stands as a pillar of defense for our county,” said Evans. "We stand a never-ending watch, yet we remain virtually unnoticed to the nation."
Evans and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proudest just to be where I am now,” said Evans. "I've succeeded despite the hardships life has brought."
As Evans and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving is an experience unlike any other for me,” said Evans. "My family hears about what I'm doing here and it makes them very proud."
Evans is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my whole family,” added Evans. "I’d especially like to thank my mom, Jessica Arico, above all else for everything she has done to guide me."