MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Zacharias Clemente, a native of San Diego, California, is serving aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, 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 |
Clemente, a 2008 graduate of Rancho Buena Vista High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel, for the adventure and to continue my education,” said Clemente.
Today, Clemente relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Diego to succeed in the military.
“I grew up around hard-working people,” said Clemente. “The work ethic I learned from family and friends has helped me succeed in the Navy.”
These lessons have helped Clemente while serving in the Navy.
Winston S. Churchill 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 Winston S. Churchill. 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 Clemente 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 is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Clemente.
Clemente has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was successfully completing a full deployment,” said Clemente. “The memories and lessons learned are invaluable.”
As Clemente 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 that I have a career I can truly be proud of,” said Clemente.
Clemente is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank FC1 McIlhenny, an instructor at CIWS school in Dam Neck, Virginia, whose mentorship got me to where I am today,” said Clemente.
“My goal is to make the rank of chief petty officer before my next enlistment,” added Clemente.
“The Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Clemente.
Clemente has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was successfully completing a full deployment,” said Clemente. “The memories and lessons learned are invaluable.”
As Clemente 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 that I have a career I can truly be proud of,” said Clemente.
Clemente is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank FC1 McIlhenny, an instructor at CIWS school in Dam Neck, Virginia, whose mentorship got me to where I am today,” said Clemente.
“My goal is to make the rank of chief petty officer before my next enlistment,” added Clemente.