SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Rachel Stephenson, a native of Canadian, Texas, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Stephenson graduated from Canadian High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Canadian.
“Growing up, I learned to never take anything for granted, always appreciate what you have and cherish what time you have with family,” Stephenson said. “Learning that has helped me cherish my friends and the relationship we have. It has also helped me build the relationship I have with my husband and my son.”
Stephenson joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Stephenson serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel and see places I would never get to see in the civilian world,” Stephenson said. “I also wanted to have a career in something I could be proud of and also that my family could be proud of.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Stephenson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of the sailor I have become today,” Stephenson said. “When I first came in, I struggled to follow the rules and it landed me in some trouble. After that, I worked hard to prove to myself that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to and do it to the best of my ability. I just put on petty officer third class in July 2024 and I’m already up for second class.”
Stephenson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“To me, serving in the Navy is a privilege,” Stephenson said. “Not everyone is able to serve or has the opportunity to serve. It’s an honor to be able to protect not just my beliefs but also those of others who don’t have a voice.”
Stephenson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my husband, John Pattison, who is now a veteran,” Stephenson added. “He has always been by my side. I also want to thank my son, Remington, because I wouldn’t have the motivation to continue to strive to be the best without him. I also want to thank Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Jessica Drezek for helping me through challenges and being a great mentor for me.”