SEATTLE - Petty Officer 3rd Class Kolten Cummings, a resident of Shelton, Washington, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance.
 |
| Photo by Ensign Siennah Spriggs |
Cummings joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Cummings serves as an electrician’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I was a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a major hospital and wanted to do something more,” said Cummings. “I had been a CNA for 15 years and I wanted to better myself. A friend told me to join the Navy. My fiance's dad is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and hanging around him and their family is really what pushed me to join.”
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 Barry. 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.
“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.”
Cummings has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of traveling to Japan and learning a new trade,” said Cummings. “Japan has always been the number one country that I’ve always wanted to go to.”
Cummings serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, my service in the Navy means people in my life are proud of me,” said Cummings. “People in my life weren’t always proud of me. This is a nice change. I started this journey for myself, but now a lot of people depend on me. It’s a good feeling.”
Cummings is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my father, Kevin, and my mother, Pam, Mama Ruth, former Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class David Carter and Lt. Col. Stewart Mason all for their support,” added Cummings.