PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Seaman Apprentice Paige Davis, a native of Akron, Ohio, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Davis graduated from Towpath Trail High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Akron.
“The biggest lesson I learned was from my mother who taught me to follow my heart and that failing is okay as long as you get back up and keep trying,” Davis said.
Davis joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Davis serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy to start a career and to better myself, gaining better structure, discipline and stability,” Davis said.
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Davis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My biggest accomplishment is graduating from boot camp and 'A' (technical) school because that was the start of fulfilling my dream of joining the Navy,” Davis said.
As Davis and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving the Navy means a lot to me,” Davis said. “It is a huge honor, and the Navy is teaching me such beneficial lessons. It's helping me to become a better person.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Davis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom who has helped me accomplish my dream,” added Davis. “She is a great inspiration and role model. I couldn't have done it without her.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Davis graduated from Towpath Trail High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Akron.
“The biggest lesson I learned was from my mother who taught me to follow my heart and that failing is okay as long as you get back up and keep trying,” Davis said.
Davis joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Davis serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy to start a career and to better myself, gaining better structure, discipline and stability,” Davis said.
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Davis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My biggest accomplishment is graduating from boot camp and 'A' (technical) school because that was the start of fulfilling my dream of joining the Navy,” Davis said.
As Davis and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving the Navy means a lot to me,” Davis said. “It is a huge honor, and the Navy is teaching me such beneficial lessons. It's helping me to become a better person.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Davis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom who has helped me accomplish my dream,” added Davis. “She is a great inspiration and role model. I couldn't have done it without her.”