PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Seaman Recruit Tobias Mukudu, a native of Columbus, 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.
Mukudu graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbus.
“I learned a great work ethic, especially in the gym,” Mukudu said. “I started working out consistently three years ago, and that helped me get through boot camp.”
Mukudu joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Mukudu serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy to create a path for things that I aspire to do in life,” Mukudu said. “I've always had a proactive nature and protecting our nation is a great way to do it. I love facing the everyday challenges of being a sailor and am excited for what the future holds.”
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.
Mukudu has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was graduating quartermaster school with an A,” Mukudu said.
As Mukudu and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means being strong, protective and hardworking,” Mukudu said. “It also means always striving for excellence.”
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.
Mukudu is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Tanaka, my dad, Joseph, sister, Elina, brothers, JJ and Christian, for all the love and support they have given me throughout this awesome journey,” added Mukudu.
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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.
Mukudu graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbus.
“I learned a great work ethic, especially in the gym,” Mukudu said. “I started working out consistently three years ago, and that helped me get through boot camp.”
Mukudu joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Mukudu serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy to create a path for things that I aspire to do in life,” Mukudu said. “I've always had a proactive nature and protecting our nation is a great way to do it. I love facing the everyday challenges of being a sailor and am excited for what the future holds.”
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.
Mukudu has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was graduating quartermaster school with an A,” Mukudu said.
As Mukudu and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means being strong, protective and hardworking,” Mukudu said. “It also means always striving for excellence.”
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.
Mukudu is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Tanaka, my dad, Joseph, sister, Elina, brothers, JJ and Christian, for all the love and support they have given me throughout this awesome journey,” added Mukudu.