MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Miller, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, serves aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships, USS St. Louis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Miller, a 2016 graduate of Muhlenberg High School, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I had a career before the Navy and realized that there wasn't much room for growth,” said Miller. "I knew I wanted a job where I could be recognized for my hard work, so I decided to join the Navy."
Today, Miller relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Reading to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned that things won't come to you without effort,” said Miller. "You need to show initiative in order to grow as a human."
These lessons have helped Miller while serving in the Navy.
St. Louis is 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 Miller 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's job is to protect our coastline and all countries that aline with our beliefs and values,” said Miller.
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“It's not any singular event that I'm most proud of, but in my short time onboard USS Saint Louis, I have proven myself to higher ranking members of the crew and been able to earn their trust and respect,” said Miller.
As Miller 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 means to live by a higher standard and have self-worth and self-respect,” said Miller. "The hardest thing to do in life is the right thing when no one else is looking."
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Steve and Tammi, for raising me to be a leader, as well as teaching me to be a person who can thrive in any environment,” added Miller.
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 Miller 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's job is to protect our coastline and all countries that aline with our beliefs and values,” said Miller.
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“It's not any singular event that I'm most proud of, but in my short time onboard USS Saint Louis, I have proven myself to higher ranking members of the crew and been able to earn their trust and respect,” said Miller.
As Miller 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 means to live by a higher standard and have self-worth and self-respect,” said Miller. "The hardest thing to do in life is the right thing when no one else is looking."
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Steve and Tammi, for raising me to be a leader, as well as teaching me to be a person who can thrive in any environment,” added Miller.