MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Dorian Walker, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, 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 |
Walker, a 2017 graduate of Southwest High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy for educational opportunities and to travel the world,” said Walker. "My favorite place we visited was Greece."
Today, Walker relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Fort Worth to succeed in the military.
“I learned that you should treat others as you would like to be treated,” said Walker. "Fort Worth taught me when to pick my battles."
These lessons have helped Walker 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 Walker 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 serves the country by protecting the seas and helping transport Marines to other countries,” said Walker.
Walker and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of acquiring my surface warfare qualification,” said Walker. "It was one of the hardest challenges I faced while balancing my work schedule. It proved to me that I can do anything I set my mind to."
As Walker 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 Navy makes me feel like I'm really doing something that helps others,” said Walker. "I am also able to build a foundation for myself."
Walker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandpa, Vincent Turner, who passed away,” said Walker. "I wouldn't have joined it if it wasn't for him."
“The Navy has taught me to love to read,” added Walker. "When I was on deployment, I just picked up a few books and that got me interested in history."