MAYPORT, Fla. - Seaman Tynitra Wilson, a native of Prattville, Alabama, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Marinette, 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.
Wilson, a 2019 graduate of Prattville High School, joined the Navy two years ago. Additionally, Wilson graduated from Wallace State Community College in 2021 with an associate’s degree.
“I joined the Navy to provide for myself,” said Wilson. "I wanted to start making a life for myself and things I really enjoy."
Today, Wilson relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Prattville to succeed in the military.
“I learned respect from both my hometown and my parents,” said Wilson. "Growing up, I was raised with discipline, and learned to respect those who just want the best for you."
These lessons have helped Wilson while serving in the Navy.
Marinette 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 Wilson 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 has an important role in protecting the seas and stopping any threats that come our way,” said Wilson.
Wilson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment would be adapting to the Navy lifestyle,” said Wilson. "I have always been so family oriented.”
As Wilson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It's like a family,” said Wilson. "I met a lot of people I love who I would do anything for, and I'm sure they would do the same for me."
Wilson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” said Wilson. "They never questioned why I joined and were proud that I made the decision to serve this country."
“I was the first in my family to join the Navy,” added Wilson. "My family has a long history of serving in the Army and Air Force."