MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Shelby Hinnant, a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Hinnant, a 2016 graduate of South Pointe High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy to push myself outside of my comfort zone,” said Hinnant. "The Navy has provided me with an opportunity to push myself and do things I never thought I could do."
Today, Hinnant relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Rock Hill to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to always take chances and work hard in everything you do,” said Hinnant. "There are a lot of things we are tasked with that initially I don't understand, but I don't quit and I keep pushing myself.”
These lessons have helped Hinnant 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 Hinnant 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 instrumental in maintaining security and national defense,” said Hinnant. "We are here to protect the seas and help everyone back home have peace of mind."
Hinnant and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of my meritorious advancement to petty officer third class,” said Hinnant. "I worked really hard and it was a great feeling to know that my hard work was recognized."
As Hinnant and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It fills me with pride serving the country that I love,” said Hinnant. "Having the courage to do something that most of the population will never do is something I don't take lightly."
Hinnant is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family and my division,” added Hinnant. “They are always there supporting me and helping me learn new things.”