MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Haneef Manboard, a native of Ocoee, Florida, 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 |
Manboard, a 2002 graduate of Stranahan High School, joined the Navy 21 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to carve my own path in life,” said Manboard. "My family wanted me to stay close to home and go to college, but I decided that I wanted to see more.”
Today, Manboard relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Ocoee to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to judge the person and not the background,” said Manboard. "I give people a chance to show me who they are and try not to prejudge them."
These lessons have helped Manboard 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 Manboard 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 has let the world know that if they seek freedom and democracy, the United States is the bar to reach for,” said Manboard.
Manboard and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud to have served more than 20 years,” said Manboard. "I'm the first person in my family to serve this long."
As Manboard 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 that I have reached a milestone,” said Manboard. "I am almost ready to retire from the service."
Manboard is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Sufia Mohammed,” said Manboard. "She's had a lot of patience and has always supported me even when I moved her away from her family."
“The Sailor's Creed mentions honor, courage and commitment,” added Manboard. "I would encourage future generations to memorize these words. They will be the backbone of your naval career."