PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Moore, a native of Jonesboro, Arkansas 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 |
Moore joined the Navy four and a half years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to make my family proud while also making myself happy.,” said Moore. "The Navy was the best option by far."
Today, Moore relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Jonesboro to succeed in the military.
“Growing up I worked a few different jobs that taught me the importance of working for what you earn and professionalism,” said Moore. "My family taught me the importance of doing what is right and treating everyone with the respect they deserve."
These lessons have helped Moore 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 Moore 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 the way we get from one place to another mainly focuses on waterways,” said Moore. “The Navy protects our goods, if we cannot secure our waterways and provide freedom of navigation, we and other countries would be cut off from the rest of the world.”
Moore and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being the best technician for my system onboard and being recognized as such,” said Moore.
As Moore and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means to me the chance to keep on improving myself, lifelong relationships and influencing life-changing decisions for those that need it,” said Moore.
Moore is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my Grandfather, Rudy Castellanos, and my parents, Mario and Tracy for supporting me and my Navy journey,” said Moore. "I would also like to thank my recruiter, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Hembree for being the bridge between my past civilian self and who I am now."