MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Mirabella, a native of Norwalk, Connecticut, 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 |
Mirabella, a 2020 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined to continue a family tradition,” said Mirabella. "My dad and grandad were both quartermasters in the Navy."
Today, Mirabella relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Norwalk to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Norwalk to always wake up early and take initiative,” said Mirabella. "I'm willing to help out, which gets me recognized in my department."
These lessons have helped Mirabella 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 Mirabella 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 supports national defense by protecting the country from any threats from the sea,” said Mirabella.
Mirabella and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being advanced to petty officer third class,” said Mirabella. "I advanced my first year on board."
As Mirabella 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 is very fulfilling,” said Mirabella. "I enjoy knowing that I am protecting the country and everyone I love."
Mirabella is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for always loving and supporting me when I decided to join the Navy,” added Mirabella. "My dad helped convince my mom to sign the papers for me to join."