By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Samantha Janca, a native of Forney, Texas, serving aboard USS Nantucket, recently completed a visit to the ship's namesake island June 18-22.
During the four-day visit, Sailors strengthened relationships with the local community and the ship's commissioning committee by participating in a variety of community relations events. Some of the events included visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Sailors also took a historical walking tour of the island and had a community reception at the Great Harbor Yacht Club.
Janca graduated from Forney High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Forney.
"In high school, I was in the marching band's color guard," Janca said. "That taught me how important it is to be a good leader while creating strong
bonds."
Janca joined the Navy three years ago. Today Janca serves as a fire controlman.
"My older sister is in the Navy and I admire everything she does," Janca said. "I joined because I wanted to be able to make her as proud as she makes me."
USS Nantucket is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake, dating back to 1863 when the first USS Nantucket, a Passaic-class, single-turret monitor was commissioned. The Passaic-class Nantucket supported the U.S. Navy’s South Atlantic Blockade and played a critical role during the Civil War.
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.
Janca has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is making second class petty officer right before I hit my two-year mark," Janca said. "I am also proud
of helping my junior sailors prepare for their advancement exams and making rank."
Janca 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 so much to me," Janca said. "It offers me the chance to learn so many things that I wouldn't be able to learn outside of
the Navy."
Janca is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I would like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout my time in the Navy," Janca added. "I would not be where I am today without them."