MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Scott, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, 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 |
Scott, a 2012 graduate of North Little Rock High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself, to serve diversity and for life experiences,” said Scott.
Today, Scott relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Little Rock to succeed in the military.
“Growing up I learned to respect people, be observant, and always strive to do the things no one else wants to do,” said Scott.
These lessons have helped Scott 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 Scott 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 the single most important part of our national security because we ensure foreign invaders do not breach our shores in masses while protecting our trade routes worldwide,” said Scott.
Scott and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was having the opportunity to represent my combat systems department, alongside both my electronic material officer and commanding officer, at the 2023 DoD Maintenance Symposium in receipt of a maintenance award for our command,” said Scott. “Being a part of this event gave me a great sense of pride, importance and recognition.”
As Scott 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 proving my abilities to overcome challenges, and being able to push myself and cooperate with others,” said Scott. “I do this in service to all Americans. I feel grateful because not everyone has the opportunity to contribute in this way.”
Scott is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my friends, who were also veterans, from my job at Home Depot back home who shared their experiences with me and had an influence on my decision to join the military,” added Scott. “I’m an adventurer, and I love traveling and having new experiences in different locations.”