YOKOSUKA, Japan- Seaman Apprentice Jackson Glover, a native of Gloverville, South Carolina, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Glover graduated from Midland Valley High in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gloversville.
“Growing up I always had a job,” said Glover. “I like to stay busy and work with my hands. The Navy always has something you can do to help complete the mission. They keep me busy.”
Glover joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to defend my country and help those who need it most,” said Glover.
USS Rafael Peralta, 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 Rafael Peralta 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.
Glover 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.”
Glover has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that I have been able to travel and see so many amazing sights and cultures,” said Glover.
Glover can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the military is a calling,” said Glover. “We ensure America stays safe and keep people's lives back home as normal as possible.”
Glover is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Shana, for raising me to be the man I am today,” added Glover. “She has been my biggest supporter and I am so grateful for her.”