MAYPORT, Fla. - Chief Petty Officer Devin Morris, a native of Kissimmee, Florida, serves aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships, USS St. Louis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Morris, a 2009 graduate of North Kissimmee Christian School, joined the Navy 14 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I felt like the military would provide me with the tools I need to succeed in life,” said Morris. "I enlisted right out of high school and it was the best decision I ever made."
Today, Morris relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Kissimmee to succeed in the military.
“I learned to be humble and studious growing up in Kissimmee,” said Morris. "The more I learn, the more I see room for growth."
These lessons have helped Morris while serving in the Navy.
St. Louis is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is unique and challenging. The culmination of their 18-month training pipeline, sailors qualify on a virtual reality simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping on board.
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 Morris 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 supports national defense by ensuring our seas are able to be safely utilized for commerce,” said Morris.
Morris and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was becoming a chief petty officer,” said Morris. "Helping sailors is the most fulfilling part of my job."
As Morris 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 being part of something greater than myself,” said Morris. "I've always enjoyed the structure of team sports and now I'm part of one of the biggest teams there is."
Morris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I'd like to thank my wife, Tatiana, my sons, Isaiah and Koa, and my daughter, Alaiyah,” added Morris. "I'd also like to thank my parents and my in-laws."