PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 2nd Class Tabitha Weeks, a native of Vacaville, California, is serving aboard USS Daniel Inouye, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite |
Weeks, a 2018 graduate of Vanden High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because both my grandparents on my father's side were in the Navy,” said Weeks. "My dad also served in the Army. I wanted to be a part of something bigger and be a part of history."
Today, Weeks relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Vacaville, CA to succeed in the military.
“I moved around a lot, so I learned to be resilient and work hard,” said Weeks.
These lessons have helped Weeks 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 Weeks 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 important to national defense because we provide deterrence in the sea against our adversaries, and ensure freedom of navigation and safety of our country and those around the globe,” said Weeks.
Weeks and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was when I was the first person in my division to get repair party electrician qualified,” said Weeks.
As Weeks 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 gives me amazing opportunities, like seeing and traveling the world and getting to experience different cultures,” said Weeks. “I also like that I am making an impact and being a part of something bigger than myself.”
Weeks is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for being a constant support during my Navy journey,” added Weeks.