MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Joplin, Missouri, native will return to San Diego from a seven-month deployment serving aboard USS Stockdale, a U.S. Navy warship that recently conducted operations in the Middle East.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Root, a 2018 graduate of Carl Junction High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“My grandmother served in the Air Force,” said Root. "I joined the Navy to follow in her footsteps and to carry on the tradition of military service in my family."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Joplin.
“Growing up in my hometown, I worked jobs that taught me there will always be obstacles and challenges to overcome,” said Root. "That gave me the work ethic to never give up no matter how difficult a task or work is."
While on its seven-month deployment, USS Stockdale conducted combat operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden, maintaining free and open sea lanes and regional stability. Stockdale also built continuing relationships with the militaries of Egypt and the Republic of Maldives, important partners of the United States.
“After almost a year of practicing and training, we finally got the chance to prove ourselves and prove that USS Stockdale is the most combat-capable ship in the fleet,” said Root. "There were a lot of tough times and long hours and the crew members put the ship before themselves. But in the end, the team came together to make sure we all made it home to our family and friends."
Homeported in San Diego, Stockdale is a guided-missile destroyer and the third U.S. Navy ship named in honor of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, an aviator who was awarded the Medal of Honor based on his service in the Vietnam War, during which time he was a prisoner of war for over seven years.
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.
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.
Root can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gave me the chance to expand my life and career,” added Root. "It also gives me a chance to prove myself while continuously giving me goals to hit. In turn, I get to protect the ones I love."