YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 3rd Class Christian Givens, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Givens graduated from Creekside High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“I learned from Junior ROTC to be on time,” said Givens. "You have strict timelines in the military that you have to meet, and if you don't meet them, it reflects on your character and affects how you look to people. You've got to manage your time wisely."
Givens joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Givens serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined because one of my mentors was an Army colonel and he told me to get out, see the world and avoid trouble,” said Givens. "It's worked out pretty well so far."
USS John Finn, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy 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 John Finn. 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% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Givens serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Givens has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of learning how to cook,” said Givens. "I'm cooking at home, too. Before, I was never in the kitchen."
Givens can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I believe service is such a big commitment because you leave people behind and you miss a lot of events,” said Givens. "However, to know that you're serving a greater purpose makes it worth it. It makes me happy to know that I'm part of the team that is going to take care of things."
Givens is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom and my dad,” added Givens. "My mom helped me get through high school and was proud of my decision to join. My dad is just very proud that I've taken a different route from his in life, and we kind of motivate each other, in a way."