VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Preston Underwood, a native of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Underwood graduated from Sapulpa High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sapulpa.
“I learned a lot about electrical work growing up and was also in Junior ROTC,” Underwood said. "I do a lot of electrical work in the Navy for my job, so that skillset was able to translate well."
Underwood joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Underwood serves as a gas turbine system technician (electrical).
“I wanted to travel and see the world,” Underwood said. "I always wanted to go to Japan, and was able to accomplish that."
ACU-4 provides combat-ready landing craft, air cushions (LCACs) to conduct operational missions worldwide. Combining high speed, exceptional maneuverability and long-range qualities with the ability to travel over land, these unique connectors provide added versatility to the amphibious force and can deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from ship to shore and back.
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.
Underwood has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I think I'm the proudest of becoming a first class petty officer,” Underwood said. "I lovingly tease my uncle about it, because now I outrank him!"
Underwood 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 a lot to me,” Underwood said. "It’s about putting yourself in the way of danger instead of others who are more vulnerable. It's about taking the hit instead of those who can't protect themselves."
Underwood is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom, Renee Smith,” Underwood said. "She's supported me the entire time I've been in."
“I definitely think the Navy gets you out of your comfort zone, but in a good way,” Underwood said. "I used to never want to be the center of attention, but now all I want to do is be an instructor and talk to everyone."