MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Dallas Haseman, a native of Knightdale, North Carolina, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Nantucket, in Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
Haseman, a 2019 graduate of Knightdale High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and see different places,” said Haseman. "I wanted to get out of my hometown to see what the world could offer."
Today, Haseman relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Knightdale to succeed in the military.
“I learned perseverance,” said Haseman. "My hometown taught me to adapt to unusual circumstances."
These lessons have helped Haseman while serving in the Navy.
Nantucket will be 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 Haseman 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 doing important work to defend our nation from a variety of threats,” said Haseman.
Haseman and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Just joining the Navy is my proudest accomplishment,” said Haseman. "Finishing boot camp was something I thought I'd never be able to do."
As Haseman 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 get to provide for me and my family,” said Haseman. "I get to help take care of my wife, Diamonique, and my dog and cat."
Haseman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my father, David Haseman,” said Haseman. "He was the one who encouraged me to go see the recruiter and to be the best version of myself I could be."
“I'm looking forward to doing my 20 years in the Navy and retiring,” added Haseman. "When I retire, I'll probably go to school and open a business.”