PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Chief Petty Officer Joshua Blackstone, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, 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.
Blackstone graduated from Flower Bluff High School in 2001.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corpus Christi.
“Growing up in a small town with a naval base, I was constantly surrounded by the idea of service, but it was my personal desire for growth that truly became my internal engine,” said Blackstone. “With it being a small town I felt the need for a change and honestly that was a lesson in itself; it was a push that continues to drive me in the Navy every day to constantly better myself and push myself.”
Blackstone joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Blackstone serves as a hull maintenance technician.
“I joined the Navy to find a solid career path, inspired by my family's legacy and the call to service from national leadership,” said Blackstone. “I joined the Navy because I wanted a solid career path. At the time I didn’t know what I was going to do or what I wanted. I had some family that was in the military so it gave me a little guidance, and at the time President Obama gave some great speeches that really caught me and pushed me to join.”
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.
Blackstone has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I find my greatest sense of accomplishment in being a source of support and mentorship for the next generation of sailors,” said Blackstone. “The ability to pay it forward and pass my knowledge down is my proudest achievement. Seeing that sparkle in a sailor's eye when they achieve their goals is what truly makes this career fulfilling.”
As Blackstone and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to the path that saved my life and a daily choice to be the shield for those I serve,” said Blackstone. “Serving in the Navy means discovery; it really saved my life from a dark path in early adulthood. It gave me direction, pride, and satisfaction, knowing I am now a line of defense for other citizens.”
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.
Blackstone is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I attribute my perseverance to the lifelong encouragement and continued support of my mother, Lisa Angles, and my grandparents, Thomas and Sue Blackstone,” added Blackstone. “They have always been there for me. My mom has supported me in everything and never gave up on me. I am so grateful for their continued support.”
“I want to give a shout-out to my cousin Jacen Blackstone and to all my friends and family that support me every day,” said Blackstone. “It is never too late to change your ways and make something of yourself because there is no obstacle you can’t overcome—never give up on yourself and always strive to be better.”
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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.
Blackstone graduated from Flower Bluff High School in 2001.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corpus Christi.
“Growing up in a small town with a naval base, I was constantly surrounded by the idea of service, but it was my personal desire for growth that truly became my internal engine,” said Blackstone. “With it being a small town I felt the need for a change and honestly that was a lesson in itself; it was a push that continues to drive me in the Navy every day to constantly better myself and push myself.”
Blackstone joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Blackstone serves as a hull maintenance technician.
“I joined the Navy to find a solid career path, inspired by my family's legacy and the call to service from national leadership,” said Blackstone. “I joined the Navy because I wanted a solid career path. At the time I didn’t know what I was going to do or what I wanted. I had some family that was in the military so it gave me a little guidance, and at the time President Obama gave some great speeches that really caught me and pushed me to join.”
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.
Blackstone has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I find my greatest sense of accomplishment in being a source of support and mentorship for the next generation of sailors,” said Blackstone. “The ability to pay it forward and pass my knowledge down is my proudest achievement. Seeing that sparkle in a sailor's eye when they achieve their goals is what truly makes this career fulfilling.”
As Blackstone and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to the path that saved my life and a daily choice to be the shield for those I serve,” said Blackstone. “Serving in the Navy means discovery; it really saved my life from a dark path in early adulthood. It gave me direction, pride, and satisfaction, knowing I am now a line of defense for other citizens.”
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.
Blackstone is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I attribute my perseverance to the lifelong encouragement and continued support of my mother, Lisa Angles, and my grandparents, Thomas and Sue Blackstone,” added Blackstone. “They have always been there for me. My mom has supported me in everything and never gave up on me. I am so grateful for their continued support.”
“I want to give a shout-out to my cousin Jacen Blackstone and to all my friends and family that support me every day,” said Blackstone. “It is never too late to change your ways and make something of yourself because there is no obstacle you can’t overcome—never give up on yourself and always strive to be better.”