MAYPORT, Fla. - Ensign David Levy, a native of Killeen, Texas, 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 |
Levy, a 2005 graduate of Killeen High School, joined the Navy 17 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and continue a family tradition of serving in the military,” said Levy. "My father retired after 36 years in the Army."
Today, Levy relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Killeen to succeed in the military.
“I learned duty, honor and respect,” said Levy. "When I perform my duties, I honor those who came before me to serve this country."
These lessons have helped Levy 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 Levy 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 at the forefront of the nation's security,” said Levy. "Whenever there is a crisis around the world, the Navy is the first to respond with either humanitarian assistance or a show of force."
Levy and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was the day I was commissioned in 2021,” said Levy. "Ever since I was a junior sailor, I always wanted to be an officer. I tailored my duty assignments and pursued certain qualifications to obtain this goal."
As Levy and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States 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 Levy 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 at the forefront of the nation's security,” said Levy. "Whenever there is a crisis around the world, the Navy is the first to respond with either humanitarian assistance or a show of force."
Levy and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was the day I was commissioned in 2021,” said Levy. "Ever since I was a junior sailor, I always wanted to be an officer. I tailored my duty assignments and pursued certain qualifications to obtain this goal."
As Levy and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It means I can give back to the country that has given me so much,” said Levy. "As a first-generation immigrant from Jamaica, the Navy has provided me with so many opportunities to see the world, make new friends and gain invaluable experiences."
Levy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father who just retired after 36 years in the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 5,” said Levy. "He was my inspiration for joining the military."
“I would like to impress on those who are thinking about joining the service to just do it,” added Levy. "Folks will be pleasantly surprised with the things they will get to experience."
Levy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father who just retired after 36 years in the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 5,” said Levy. "He was my inspiration for joining the military."
“I would like to impress on those who are thinking about joining the service to just do it,” added Levy. "Folks will be pleasantly surprised with the things they will get to experience."