SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Kaneisha Dortch, a native of Newport News, Virginia, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Dortch graduated from Woodside High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Newport News.
“Growing up, I learned to never give up on your dreams and goals, no matter how long it takes you to reach them,” Dortch said. “I joined the Navy later than most people. I felt like I was behind the curve and pushed hard to reach my goals. I saw people getting promoted ahead of me, and I was discouraged at first, but it only made me work harder.”
Dortch joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Dortch serves as a quartermaster.
“I grew up in a military family and watching my aunts, uncles and father inspired me to join,” Dortch said. “My family is mostly in the Army. I also had a lot of friends who joined the Navy and shared their experiences. My dad, who was also in the Army, told me to consider other branches. Being in Newport News, I got to see a lot of Navy ships and it was cool.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Dortch has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of making quartermaster first class on my first time up for advancement,” Dortch said. “It was unexpected. My best friend texted me to let me know I made it. It was exciting to see how my hard work had paid off and how many people were proud of me.”
Dortch serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy means balancing being a leader and being a friend,” Dortch said. “The bonds I’ve built with people from all ranks have taught me many valuable lessons that I will always carry with me.”
Dortch is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my mom, Sharion, because she’s always been my biggest supporter and has always encouraged me,” Dortch added. “I also want to thank my sea mom, Chief Damage Controlman Cherie Gregory. She helped me join the Navy and motivated me to keep pushing. When I wanted to get out, she encouraged me to keep my head up and keep going. I also want to thank Chief Quartermaster Arianna Jackson for making me the leader that I am today.”