MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Ozbolt, a native of Huntsville, 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 |
Ozbolt, a 2012 graduate of Fairview High School, joined the Navy over three years ago.
“I was an industrial contractor and I needed electronics experience which the Navy offered by sending me technical schools for free,” said Ozbolt.
Today, Ozbolt relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Huntsville to succeed in the military.
“I was a hard worker and a contractor for international corporations,” said Ozbolt. “I applied what I learned in the civilian sector and use this since serving in the Navy.”
These lessons have helped Ozbolt 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 Ozbolt 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 a constant presence around the world,” said Ozbolt. “We use our own infrastructure as the world's police force.”
Ozbolt and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am known as a subject matter expert here aboard the ship,” said Ozbolt. “I get to do things that no one else gets to do, such as maintaining critical systems vital to our national defense.”
As Ozbolt and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Most of the men in my family are military veterans,” added Ozbolt. “I love serving my country and advancing myself professionally as well.”