MAYPORT, Fla. - Ensign Kaitlin Carpenter, a native of Holtville, Alabama, 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 |
Carpenter, a 2014 graduate of Holtville High School and a 2022 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, meet new people and ultimately live a life of service,” said Carpenter. "I got to go to Amman, Jordan, and speak to local refugees using my language training from the Navy."
Today, Carpenter relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Holtville to succeed in the military.
“I learned the importance of hard work,” said Carpenter. "My family, especially my dad, has always had to work as hard as possible to give us a life and I learned that things aren't given to you - you earn them."
These lessons have helped Carpenter 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 Carpenter 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 maintains combat-ready personnel capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Commissioning in the Navy is my most cherished accomplishment,” said Carpenter. "I am the first in my family to do so."
As Carpenter and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving the Navy means doing the job many people won't do and keeping them safe knowing we have the watch,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“There are so many people in my life that I have contributed to where I am today, but my dad, Homer Carpenter, has been the biggest and most influential of all,” said Carpenter. "He has been my rock, my hero and my biggest fan."
“Dunham is the best ship on the waterfront,” added Carpenter. "I am so proud to serve alongside such an amazing crew and leadership."
Carpenter is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“There are so many people in my life that I have contributed to where I am today, but my dad, Homer Carpenter, has been the biggest and most influential of all,” said Carpenter. "He has been my rock, my hero and my biggest fan."
“Dunham is the best ship on the waterfront,” added Carpenter. "I am so proud to serve alongside such an amazing crew and leadership."