MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Fernann Mendoza, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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 |
Mendoza, a 2015 graduate of Landstown High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy seeking adventure while serving my country,” said Mendoza. "One adventure was helping a stranded vessel by giving them food, water and charging their battery."
Today, Mendoza relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Virginia Beach to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in Virginia Beach, I've learned how valuable it is to be proud of where you're from,” said Mendoza. "I feel like I'm a positive representative of my hometown to people I meet."
These lessons have helped Mendoza 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 Mendoza 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 support national defense by maintaining the security of our nation and positively representing our country,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of advancing to petty officer second class,” said Mendoza. "I worked hard and studied even harder to make rank."
As Mendoza 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 takes a lot of commitment and dedication,” said Mendoza. "I feel like I have become more confident in how I handle stress. “I’ve also learned a lot from my job as an interior communications electrician.”
Mendoza is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom, sister and my late father,” added Mendoza. "They respected my decision to join and have supported me while serving."