St. Louis native to graduate from Officer Candidate School

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Brianna Tate, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, will graduate from the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) on Nov. 22.

Tate, a 2015 graduate of Oakville Senior High School, joined the Navy nine and a half years ago

"I joined the Navy to be the first person in my immediate family to serve," said Tate. "I wanted to travel and create a unique life for myself. I chose to serve as an enlisted member before becoming an officer."

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Louis.

“Growing up, I learned how important it is to listen to and appreciate the differences in the company that surrounds you," said Tate.

OCS is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN). This is the final step in a sailor’s transition into the Naval Officer Corps. This course is comprehensive, intense, and designed to reinforce understanding of the responsibilities as a naval officer.

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the command’s mission is to develop newly commissioned officers morally, mentally, and physically, and imbue them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment in order to prepare them for the Fleet. Additionally, this schoolhouse prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.

Before joining the academy, Tate was an enlisted petty officer second class serving as an electronics technician.

"Serving in the U.S. Navy and becoming a naval officer gives me a unique opportunity to lead others utilizing the experiences I have gathered," said Tate. "It's about leading the pack and having influence for the next generation of sailors."

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.

Tate serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Tate has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Becoming a naval officer is my proudest accomplishment," added Tate. "I knew when I first enlisted, I wanted to become an officer. Knowing that I am accomplishing an almost 10-year goal is indescribable. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in 10 to 20 more years."

As Tate and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.