PEARL HARBOR – Ensign Wyatt Ebner, a native of Rosemount, Minnesota is serving aboard USS Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite |
Ebner, a 2022 graduate of Iowa State University, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy because many of my family members served,” said Ebner. "I wanted to carry on the tradition of service."
Today, Ebner relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Rosemount to succeed in the military.
“My cousins taught me how to enjoy my time and make jobs more fun which has made life on the ship way better,” said Ebner.
These lessons have helped Ebner while serving in the Navy.
USS Daniel Inouye 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 USS Daniel Inouye. 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 Ebner 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.
“We are the most prominent naval force in the world,” said Ebner. "If you see a U.S. Navy warship off your coast we are watching you or helping you and we are your first line of defense against foreign and domestic adversaries”.
Ebner and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Earning a commission as an officer and helping those around me work towards their goals are some of my proudest accomplishments in the Navy,” said Ebner.
As Ebner 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 means that I have a higher calling to serve and dedicate my life and efforts to helping others,” said Ebner.
Ebner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my entire family for their continued support and their military ties and prior service, and helping me continue serving as part of a family tradition,” said Ebner.