MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Black, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, 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 |
Black, a 2020 graduate of Lancaster High School, joined the Navy over a year ago.
“I joined the Navy because of the way my father always talked about his time serving,” said Black. “He made it sound like an amazing way to travel.”
Today, Black relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Lancaster to succeed in the military.
“I learned growing up that if you’re on time and do your job, you’re already doing more than most of your peers and that still applies today,” said Black.
These lessons have helped Black 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 Black 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 our biggest show of force that is a constant naval presence around the world,” said Black.
Black has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being meritoriously advanced to petty officer third class,” said Black. “I worked really hard for it, and it was the first time that it mattered that what I was doing was beneficial.”
As Black 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 makes my family proud, and it’s a very fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said Black.
Black is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my father, Ken Black, who previously served in the Navy for over 10 years as an aviation technician,” added Black. “The way he talked about the Navy had a big influence on me, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”