SAN DIEGO - Seaman Louise Uwingahanye, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, 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 Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Uwingahanye graduated from Raytown South High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kansas City.
“I learned to always speak up,” Uwingahanye said. "When I first joined I was hesitant to provide my opinion, but my hometown has taught me how to provide my input and how that input can make a difference."
Uwingahanye joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Uwingahanye serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy because my best friend had shown me all the opportunities they had,” Uwingahanye said. "The Navy provided the opportunity to travel somewhere new while having stability."
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS 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 USS 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.
Uwingahanye has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is finishing boot camp,” Uwingahanye said. "Boot camp is a rigorous 10 weeks and coming straight out of high school it was definitely a change of pace. To make it through boot camp and move across the world to a new city on my own at such a young age was a huge accomplishment. After arriving at my new command, I made sure to put my best foot forward every day and I was awarded a challenge coin by my command master chief for my efforts."
Uwingahanye serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means to do everything with honor, courage and commitment," Uwingahanye said. "It means starting a legacy that my family can be proud of. I am the first military member in the family. People are watching you even when you don't think so. What we do has direct implications on the world around us and taking pride in our job every day is essential."
Uwingahanye is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Chief Rodriguez and Culinary Specialist 1st Class Seldon,” Uwingahanye said. "They always pushed me to be the best version of myself. They have mentored me every step of the way and provided the resources to be successful both personally and professionally."
“Always take the opportunity to explore new things,” Uwingahanye added. "It is very easy to stay in your comfort zone but stepping out will always open up new doors and opportunities that may be once in a lifetime. There are always opportunities in places you would've never imagined."