MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Genovese, a native of Murrieta, California, serves aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships, USS St. Louis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Genovese, a 2017 graduate of Vista Murrieta High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” said Genovese. "Everyone else in my family is a Marine but I decided to join the better branch."
Today, Genovese relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Murrieta to succeed in the military.
“Vista Murrieta High School is huge on pride and service,” said Genovese. "It's my understanding they just won MaxPreps’ most spirited high school in the nation again. We won it two years in a row when I attended school there"
These lessons have helped Genovese 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 Genovese 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's mission is to defend freedom and keep the seas open and free through maritime security,” said Genovese.
Genovese and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment in the Navy so far, is commissioning two littoral combat ship class ships,” said Genovese.
As Genovese 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 has allowed me to meet every personal goal set for myself, including buying a house by the age of 22,” said Genovese.
Genovese is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for supporting me in my decision to enlist,” added Genovese. “I would also like to thank my community for supporting the military in general.”
“Serving in the Navy has allowed me to meet every personal goal set for myself, including buying a house by the age of 22,” said Genovese.
Genovese is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for supporting me in my decision to enlist,” added Genovese. “I would also like to thank my community for supporting the military in general.”