MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Hall, a native of Lakeland, Florida, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, 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 |
Hall, a 2018 graduate of Lake Gibson High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to learn new things and to see the world,” said Hall. "I've learned a lot about my rate and I got to see Jerusalem, which was really cool."
Today, Hall relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Lakeland to succeed in the military.
“I learned to have a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude in Lakeland,” said Hall. "Hard work is a must-have in the Navy, but your attitude makes you happier in the long run."
These lessons have helped Hall while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 Hall 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 protecting national interests and Americans from threats,” said Hall.
Hall and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being able to track a high-threat adversary submarine for 54 hours,” said Hall. "I was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for that."
As Hall and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’ve been able to make lifelong friends and learn helpful information while serving in the Navy,” said Hall. "My senior chief, John Fletcher, gave me great advice and helped me make a good decision buying my first car."
Hall is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandmother, Pansy Hall, and my friend, Kendal Sherrouse,” added Hall. "Kenal is my best friend, a big influence in my life and is always there to help me."