MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Telesforo Paule, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Paule, a 2016 graduate of Pateros Catholic High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the education benefits and pride of the family,” said Paule. "I was looking for a way to pay for college and the Navy has provided that for me."
Today, Paule relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Jacksonville to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of patience, and that consistent hard work pays off,” said Paule. "In my job, I am responsible for human life and those values have helped me be prepared for all situations."
These lessons have helped Paule while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 Paule 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 U.S. Navy is the greatest all-around form of national defense,” said Paule. "This is what keeps our borders secure and our country safe."
Paule and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of the opportunity to serve in the Navy,” said Paule. "This is the greatest experience of my life and I am so thankful for the opportunity."
As Paule and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means the world to me,” said Paule. "Through thick and thin, the best and the worst the Navy has allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself."
Paule is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank first my lord Jesus Christ, my mother, and all the leaders I've had in my career,” said Paule. "They have never given up on me and inspired me throughout my career."
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Paule, a 2016 graduate of Pateros Catholic High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the education benefits and pride of the family,” said Paule. "I was looking for a way to pay for college and the Navy has provided that for me."
Today, Paule relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Jacksonville to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of patience, and that consistent hard work pays off,” said Paule. "In my job, I am responsible for human life and those values have helped me be prepared for all situations."
These lessons have helped Paule while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 Paule 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 U.S. Navy is the greatest all-around form of national defense,” said Paule. "This is what keeps our borders secure and our country safe."
Paule and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of the opportunity to serve in the Navy,” said Paule. "This is the greatest experience of my life and I am so thankful for the opportunity."
As Paule and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means the world to me,” said Paule. "Through thick and thin, the best and the worst the Navy has allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself."
Paule is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank first my lord Jesus Christ, my mother, and all the leaders I've had in my career,” said Paule. "They have never given up on me and inspired me throughout my career."