PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Snowden, a native of Hanover, Pennsylvania is serving aboard USS Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite |
Snowden, a 2017 graduate of Agora Cyber Charter School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to follow in my grandfather's footsteps," said Snowden. "He served in both the Navy and Army. I enjoy all the benefits the Navy has to offer."
Today, Snowden relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hanover to succeed in the military.
“My grandfather taught me to work hard, be honorable and keep my word,” said Snowden.
These lessons have helped Snowden while serving in the Navy.
USS Daniel Inouye 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 USS Daniel Inouye. 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 Snowden 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 is important to national defense because we are the strongest naval power and maritime force in the world,” said Snowden.
Snowden and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being able to join and serve in the world's greatest Navy,” said Snowden.
As Snowden 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 is about free travel, provided housing, a community worth spending time with and a career,” said Snowden.
Snowden is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my grandfather for raising me and teaching me to be a man,” added Snowden. "He motivated me to be confident in myself enough to join the Navy. I would also like to thank David Goggins, for inspiring me to work the courage up to join the Navy."