MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Waycross, Georgia, 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 Blessin Powell, a 2019 graduate of Ware County High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to be put in a better position, not only for myself but for my family,” said Powell. "I also wanted to grow more as an individual and travel the world while serving my country."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Waycross.
“Growing up in my hometown showed me that no matter what or where you come from, you can be something and that you can be that change in your community,” said Powell.
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 shown me that when you put in the work and stay dedicated, it will pay off," said Palmer. "You will succeed at the end of the day and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of such a great team!"
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.
Powell can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a great deal to me,” added Powell. "It has allowed me to overcome obstacles I didn't even know were possible. I have done the unimaginable while learning who I am as a person."
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.
Powell can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a great deal to me,” added Powell. "It has allowed me to overcome obstacles I didn't even know were possible. I have done the unimaginable while learning who I am as a person."