MAYPORT, Fla. - Seaman Apprentice Haven Morrison, a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Morrison, a 2022 graduate of Parkersburg South High School, joined the Navy one year ago. Additionally, Morrison earned a trade degree in both basic and advanced firefighting courses from West Virginia University at Parkersburg.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to have a good start to my life and to also continue my family's tradition of military service,” said Morrison. “My grandfather, John Geer, previously served in the Navy as a machinist's mate as well as my brother, Anthony Deskins. I wanted to be more like my brother who is a role model and wanted him to be proud of me.”
Today, Morrison relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Parkersburg to succeed in the military.
“Even though I am only 19, I have had a lot of struggles in my life and I have always come out on top,” said Morrison. “I learned that the Navy will always throw things at you and because of what I went through, I feel as if I am prepared for anything at all times.”
These lessons have helped Morrison 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 Morrison 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 maintaining a forceful backup from the sea and helping any other branch of the military when it is needed,” said Morrison.
Morrison and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My biggest accomplishment is having people believe I am an E-4 when I am actually an E-3 because of my good work ethic,” said Morrison. “I am also proud of being the honor graduate in my Navy 'A' school.”
As Morrison and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy is about taking responsibility and doing what is right to help others,” said Morrison.
Morrison is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my whole family but mostly my mother, Sherri, and my father, William,” said Morrison. “They took me out of foster care and put me on the path I am on now.”
“My goal before I leave Jason Dunham is to make the rank of petty officer first class,” added Morrison. “For me, making first class would be a huge accomplishment. I feel like it would make my brother proud because he got out of the Navy as a second class after serving eight years. We have a friendly competition amongst each other.”
Today, Morrison relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Parkersburg to succeed in the military.
“Even though I am only 19, I have had a lot of struggles in my life and I have always come out on top,” said Morrison. “I learned that the Navy will always throw things at you and because of what I went through, I feel as if I am prepared for anything at all times.”
These lessons have helped Morrison 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 Morrison 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 maintaining a forceful backup from the sea and helping any other branch of the military when it is needed,” said Morrison.
Morrison and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My biggest accomplishment is having people believe I am an E-4 when I am actually an E-3 because of my good work ethic,” said Morrison. “I am also proud of being the honor graduate in my Navy 'A' school.”
As Morrison and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy is about taking responsibility and doing what is right to help others,” said Morrison.
Morrison is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my whole family but mostly my mother, Sherri, and my father, William,” said Morrison. “They took me out of foster care and put me on the path I am on now.”
“My goal before I leave Jason Dunham is to make the rank of petty officer first class,” added Morrison. “For me, making first class would be a huge accomplishment. I feel like it would make my brother proud because he got out of the Navy as a second class after serving eight years. We have a friendly competition amongst each other.”