MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Manlapaz, a native of Olney, Maryland, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Manlapaz, a 2021 graduate of Sherwood High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted something different than a college experience,” said Manlapaz. "I appreciate having hands-on experience learning a job."
Today, Manlapaz relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Olney to succeed in the military.
“I learned to put 100 percent into everything I do,” said Manlapaz. "I found that if I bring a positive attitude in everything I do, even jobs that aren’t fun, I can help the morale of the ship."
These lessons have helped Manlapaz while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham 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 Jason Dunham. 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 Manlapaz 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 provides constant maritime security and ships ready to be deployed,” said Manlapaz.
Manlapaz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is just joining the Navy and staying here,” said Manlapaz. "I am very happy I stuck to it."
As Manlapaz 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 seizing the opportunities it has provided for me,” said Manlapaz. "I've gotten to be the best version of myself."
Manlapaz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom and dad,” said Manlapaz. "They provided me with so much support and guidance throughout my entire life and shaped me to be who I am today."
“I have an interest in working in the White House as my next duty station,” added Manlapaz. "I just want to try something different."
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Manlapaz, a 2021 graduate of Sherwood High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted something different than a college experience,” said Manlapaz. "I appreciate having hands-on experience learning a job."
Today, Manlapaz relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Olney to succeed in the military.
“I learned to put 100 percent into everything I do,” said Manlapaz. "I found that if I bring a positive attitude in everything I do, even jobs that aren’t fun, I can help the morale of the ship."
These lessons have helped Manlapaz while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham 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 Jason Dunham. 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 Manlapaz 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 provides constant maritime security and ships ready to be deployed,” said Manlapaz.
Manlapaz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is just joining the Navy and staying here,” said Manlapaz. "I am very happy I stuck to it."
As Manlapaz 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 seizing the opportunities it has provided for me,” said Manlapaz. "I've gotten to be the best version of myself."
Manlapaz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom and dad,” said Manlapaz. "They provided me with so much support and guidance throughout my entire life and shaped me to be who I am today."
“I have an interest in working in the White House as my next duty station,” added Manlapaz. "I just want to try something different."