MAYPORT, Fla. - Ensign Erik Ekendiz, a native of Tampa, Florida, 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 |
Ekendiz, a 2015 graduate of Hillsborough High School, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to experience things I would never get to experience otherwise, and to grow as a leader,” said Ekendiz.
Today, Ekendiz relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Tampa to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned that if you treat little things like they aren't important it can make everything else harder,” said Ekendiz. "That has helped me hold a standard and keep attention to detail. Both those skills have helped me succeed in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Ekendiz 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 Ekendiz 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, more than any other branch, provides a sustained presence and deterrence across the globe,” said Ekendiz.
Ekendiz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I've only been in a short time, so graduating from Officer Candidate School is what I'm most proud of,” said Ekendiz. "I look forward to doing what I can to improve myself and do what I can for my country."
As Ekendiz 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 helps me develop both as a leader and as a person, and it helps keep everyone I know safer,” said Ekendiz.
Ekendiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my dad, Mark Graney, for supporting me in my decision to join,” added Ekendiz. "He has always been there for me and helped guide me in life."