YOKOSUKA, Japan - Petty Officer 3rd Class Karlie Gibbs, a native of Killeen, Texas, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Gibbs graduated from Early College High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Killeen.
“My hometown taught me to value the people around you,” said Gibbs. “People can be gone just as quickly as they came into your life.”
Gibbs joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Gibbs serves as an operations specialist.
“Almost everyone in my family has served,” said Gibbs. “It’s kind of a tradition.”
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.
Gibbs 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.”
Gibbs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of creating a positive image for myself since I've been here,” said Gibbs. "I know I’m a good sailor. I'm seen as a professional who manages herself well."
Gibbs can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is my way of setting myself up for future success,” said Gibbs.
Gibbs is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to thank my parents,” added Gibbs.