MAYPORT, Fla. - Seaman Steven Merica, a native of Hampton, Virginia, serves aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships, USS St. Louis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Merica, a 2020 graduate of Elkins High School, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to better myself and start a career path,” said Merica.
Today, Merica relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hampton to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned you sometimes have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations to stand out and better your opportunities,” said Merica.
These lessons have helped Merica while serving in the Navy.
St. Louis 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 Merica 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 plays key roles in protecting our land, air and sea from threats,” said Merica.
Merica and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm just proud to be one of the first in my family to serve in the Navy,” said Merica. “I hope to start a family tradition of serving in the military.”
As Merica and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Personally, serving in the Navy makes me feel as if I have a better sense of purpose in my life,” said Merica.
Merica is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandparents, Larry and Mary Walling, my sister, Brittany, and my mother, Barbi, for their continuous love and support,” said Merica. "I would also like to thank my wife, Breanna, for always being there for me and helping me continue on this journey."
“I want to be a chief petty officer in the next 10 years and make the Navy a career, so I can make a better life for me and my family,” added Merica.