MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Philadelphia 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 2nd Class Cole Palmer, a 2019 graduate of Franklin Towne Charter High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy to help support my college degree ambitions to someday be a family therapist in the Philadelphia area,” said Palmer.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Philadelphia.
“Growing up in Philly, I've learned that if you really want something, you have to be hungry for it,” said Palmer. "My Philly mentality has been crucial to my work here on Stockdale. I give all that I can to support my shipmates and protect my country from harm by giving my endless drive to be the best I can be day in and day out."
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.
“This deployment has given me the mental strength to keep fighting and to never quit, no matter what is thrown at my team and I,” said Palmer. "I feel like I can take this grit and carry it with me throughout the entirety of my life in daily situations that challenge me."
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.
Palmer can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in this Navy means I've made the vow to defend my nation and family and that I'm always willing to give up time for the best of this country” added Palmer. "I uphold my vow every day with pride knowing that my sacrifices will be worth it and knowing that my family is overwhelmingly proud of me."