MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Spann, a native of Kings Bay, Georgia, is serving aboard USS Carney, a U.S. Navy warship, currently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean participating in the Carrier Strike Group Four Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test its ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
Spann, a 2019 graduate of Viera High School, joined the Navy over a year ago.
“My father was in the Navy for 27 years,” said Spann. “It’s something I felt that I was always meant to do. I wish to also work in the White House as a chef.”
Spann relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Kings Bay to succeed in the military.
“Working in restaurants in my hometown honed my culinary skills prior to joining,” said Spann.
These lessons have helped Spann while serving in the Navy.
Today, Spann serves as a culinary specialist aboard USS Carney.
“My favorite part of being a culinary specialist is being able to use my skill to make peoples’ day,” said Spann.
Carney is an Arleigh Burke-class 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 Carney. 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."
Spann and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of making second class in only a year and four months,” said Spann. “I’m also proud of scoring high on my advancement exam.”
As Spann 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 I’m always working long and hard every day to make sure I’m always learning and improving,” added Spann.