MAYPORT, Fla. - Chief Petty Officer Jesse Hart, a native of Madison, Ohio, 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 |
Hart, a 2010 graduate of Madison High School, joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities,” said Hart. "I didn't want to be in debt and thought joining the military would be the easiest way to do that."
Today, Hart relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Madison to succeed in the military.
“I learned growing up that no matter how stagnant your life may seem, there is always room for improvement,” said Hart.
These lessons have helped Hart 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 Hart 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 vital to keep peace in our homeland, defend democracy around the globe and assist countries that have experienced a natural disaster,” said Hart.
Hart and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Being accepted into the Chief's Mess is by far my proudest moment in the Navy so far,” said Hart.
As Hart and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I love serving in the Navy because I can provide for my family, lead by example, and I have a sense of belonging,” said Hart.
Hart is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Jane Stanton, my wife, Nina, and my daughter, Emma, for their never-ending love and support,” added Hart.
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 Hart 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 vital to keep peace in our homeland, defend democracy around the globe and assist countries that have experienced a natural disaster,” said Hart.
Hart and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Being accepted into the Chief's Mess is by far my proudest moment in the Navy so far,” said Hart.
As Hart and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I love serving in the Navy because I can provide for my family, lead by example, and I have a sense of belonging,” said Hart.
Hart is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Jane Stanton, my wife, Nina, and my daughter, Emma, for their never-ending love and support,” added Hart.