MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Kayla Carr, a native of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, 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 |
Carr, a 2015 graduate of St. Lucie West Centennial High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and be a positive influence for my siblings,” said Carr. "I love to travel and see the world and through the Navy, I have seen 16 countries.”
Today, Carr relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Port Saint Lucie to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned quitting isn't an option,” said Carr. "You can change your route, but never change the end goal.”
These lessons have helped Carr 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 Carr 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 ready for any action needed to defend this nation,” said Carr. "The Navy is here to protect our values and freedom."
Carr and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of advancing two pay grades in a year,” said Carr. "That is an accomplishment I worked hard for and few people can say they have done."
As Carr 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 very fulfilling and rewarding because not everyone has a chance to experience the war-ready mentality,” said Carr. "I am proud to say if a war breaks out, I would be ready to defend our country."
Carr is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and my goals,” said Carr. "Their support has helped me accomplish my goals in the Navy and in my personal life."
“I am the first female in my family to join the military,” added Carr. "I love that I can be a positive role model for my younger siblings.”