MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Tonia Moore, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, is serving aboard USS Philippine Sea, a U.S. Navy warship, currently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean participating in the Carrier Strike Group Four Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test its ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
Moore, a 1985 graduate of Osborn High School and 2003 University of Phoenix graduate, joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“Early in my life, I wanted to utilize the opportunities that that the Navy made available to me such as education, home loan program and healthcare,” said Moore. “Later in life, I rejoined the Navy as a reservist because I felt the desire to become part of something bigger than myself. I have been able to proudly serve in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout my life, I have learned that one is either part of the problem or part of the solution. I viewed the Navy as a way of becoming a part of the solution.”
Moore relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Norfolk to succeed in the military.
“Discipline was instilled in me at an early age by my parents,” said Moore. “That discipline allowed me to learn how to set goals and set forth a plan to achieve those goals.”
Today, Moore serves as a logistics specialist aboard USS Philippine Sea responsible for supply chain management.
Philippine Sea is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly, according to Navy officials. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
“Serving aboard USS Philippine Sea affords me an opportunity to work side by side with the men and women of the fleet that not only risk their lives but sacrifice time with their families in the name of freedom and democracy,” said Moore.
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."
Moore and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Having the opportunity to spend one full year on active duty orders aboard USS Philippine Sea has been the most rewarding experience of my military career,” said Moore. “I had a chance to work side by side with my fellow sailors and watch them in action performing their day-to-day mission-essential activities as well as learn about their jobs.”
As Moore and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Whenever the mission takes me away from my friends and family for an extended period of time, I just remind myself that they are able to rest peacefully at night knowing that the U.S. Navy is awake keeping them safe,” added Moore. "That makes me proud.”