MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Caitlin Duncan, a native of Palm Bay, Florida, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Nantucket, in Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
Duncan, a 2015 graduate of Bayside High School, joined the Navy over one year ago. Additionally, Duncan graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media.
“I joined the Navy so I could travel around the world and be a part of something greater than myself,” said Duncan.
Today, Duncan relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Palm Bay to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by people who gave their time and served our community through volunteer work,” said Duncan. “That inspired me to do the same during my time in the Navy.”
These lessons have helped Duncan while serving in the Navy.
Nantucket will be 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 Duncan 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 contributes to national defense by protecting our waters and coasts around the world, as well as defending people’s right to freedom and democracy,” said Duncan.
Duncan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is advancing to petty officer second class within my first year of service because it usually takes a couple of years to reach this rank,” said Duncan.
As Duncan 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 a very rewarding experience because I get to put on this uniform every day knowing I am serving my country and making both my family and friends proud of me,” said Duncan.
Duncan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Christine and Scott, for their support in my decision to join the Navy,” added Duncan. "I would also like to thank my ‘A’ and ‘C’ school instructors for the lessons they taught me. Not only did they teach me about my rate, but how to be a better shipmate and sailor as well.”