MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake Thompson, a native of Robert Lee, Texas, 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.
Thompson, a 2009 graduate of Robert Lee High School, joined the Navy 13 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because my dad and stepdad were both Marines,” said Thompson. "I wanted to join the military but didn't want to do the exact same thing as them."
Today, Thompson relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Robert Lee to succeed in the military.
“Being from a small town, I've learned to be respectful of others,” said Thompson. "I learned to be humble and realize that I can ask for help when I need it."
These lessons have helped Thompson 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 Thompson 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.
“If a threat arises, the Navy is ready to defend the country from the seas,” said Thompson.
Thompson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment was getting surface warfare qualified,” said Thompson. "This was something I worked hard for and accomplishing it made me proud."
As Thompson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being from a small town, allows me to learn more about the outside world,” said Thompson. "I have been to places I never thought I'd visit.”
Thompson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, dad and stepdad,” said Thompson. "They really supported my decision to join the Navy.”
“I'm a pretty avid reader,” added Thompson. "Books have helped me through long deployments."