YOKOSUKA, JAPAN. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Heaven Utley, a native of Brooklyn, New York, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Brooklyn.
“I learned not to take everything personally,” said Utley. "Everything is done for a reason. Also, that it's OK to fail."
Utley joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Utley serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy for a lot of reasons,” said Utley. "I wanted to elevate and explore my options. I wanted to learn independence and be a role model for my family. I'm the first female in my family to start my military career, and I wanted to do something important."
USS John Finn, a 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.
Utley 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.”
Utley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being recognized for my work ethic in my short time on the ship and accomplishing the goals I set for myself,” said Utley.
Utley can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being strong, understanding different cultures, and understanding what we're fighting for,” said Utley. "It makes me feel good knowing I can save a life with the help of my team."
“I learned not to take everything personally,” said Utley. "Everything is done for a reason. Also, that it's OK to fail."
Utley joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Utley serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy for a lot of reasons,” said Utley. "I wanted to elevate and explore my options. I wanted to learn independence and be a role model for my family. I'm the first female in my family to start my military career, and I wanted to do something important."
USS John Finn, a 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.
Utley 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.”
Utley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being recognized for my work ethic in my short time on the ship and accomplishing the goals I set for myself,” said Utley.
Utley can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being strong, understanding different cultures, and understanding what we're fighting for,” said Utley. "It makes me feel good knowing I can save a life with the help of my team."