MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Callie Gollahon, a native of Overton, Nevada, 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 |
Gollahon, a 2017 graduate of Moapa Valley High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
“Joining the military was something that I wanted to do from a very young age,” said Gollahon. "I always looked up to people from the Armed Forces and I knew that is where I belonged."
Today, Gollahon relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Overton to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I knew what hard work was and how important it is,” said Gollahon. "It's not a question of if you get knocked down, but if you get up."
These lessons have helped Gollahon 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 Gollahon 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 U.S. Navy is responsible for keeping the waters safe for ourselves and our allies,” said Gollahon. "We are responsible for protecting our borders from any potential threats."
Gollahon and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of completing my first deployment,” said Gollahon. "We took part in a deployment with our allies, which allowed us to further those relationships."
As Gollahon and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It's a rewarding experience because I get to meet new people and explore different countries,” said Gollahon. "The Navy has provided me with opportunities and experiences that very few people get to see."
Gollahon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Jim and Danea Gollahon,” added Gollahon. "They have always believed in me and pushed me to be better every day."