PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Petty Officer 1st Class Will Hardy, a native of Lagrange, North Carolina, 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.
Hardy graduated from North Lenoir High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lagrange.
“It was instilled in me from a young age to treat others like you want to be treated and help those who can’t help themselves,” Hardy said. “I still live every day trying to make a positive impact on someone's day and to always put myself in someone else's shoes first to try and understand their perspective instead of reacting rashly.”
Hardy joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Hardy serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and do my part in the service of my country,” Hardy 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.
Hardy has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moment in the Navy is looking at all the opportunities I have been afforded,” Hardy said. “Even among sailors, I have had a unique career because of all the countries and places I have been able to go to. Some of the countries I've been to include Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Italy, Spain, Greece and Israel.”
As Hardy 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 a lot in the sense that I know I am in the position to be a role model to others,” Hardy said. “Knowing that wherever I go, and whatever the occasion may be, I am in a position to lead others and help people whether the issue is physical or emotional.”
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.
Hardy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to send a shout-out to my parents for always being there for me,” added Hardy. “I know that I can always pick up the phone and they will be there to provide advice, tell me if I am overreacting or even just listen and hear me vent after a rough day. They have always been a constant presence in my life no matter where in the world I am. I would like to make it clear to them that it hasn't gone unnoticed and how appreciative I am of them.”
“I also want to thank my wife, Kristen, for having to get used to this lifestyle so early in our marriage,” added Hardy.
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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.
Hardy graduated from North Lenoir High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lagrange.
“It was instilled in me from a young age to treat others like you want to be treated and help those who can’t help themselves,” Hardy said. “I still live every day trying to make a positive impact on someone's day and to always put myself in someone else's shoes first to try and understand their perspective instead of reacting rashly.”
Hardy joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Hardy serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and do my part in the service of my country,” Hardy 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.
Hardy has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moment in the Navy is looking at all the opportunities I have been afforded,” Hardy said. “Even among sailors, I have had a unique career because of all the countries and places I have been able to go to. Some of the countries I've been to include Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Italy, Spain, Greece and Israel.”
As Hardy 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 a lot in the sense that I know I am in the position to be a role model to others,” Hardy said. “Knowing that wherever I go, and whatever the occasion may be, I am in a position to lead others and help people whether the issue is physical or emotional.”
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.
Hardy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to send a shout-out to my parents for always being there for me,” added Hardy. “I know that I can always pick up the phone and they will be there to provide advice, tell me if I am overreacting or even just listen and hear me vent after a rough day. They have always been a constant presence in my life no matter where in the world I am. I would like to make it clear to them that it hasn't gone unnoticed and how appreciative I am of them.”
“I also want to thank my wife, Kristen, for having to get used to this lifestyle so early in our marriage,” added Hardy.