PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Petty Officer 1st Class Angela Howard, a native of Montclair, California, 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.
Howard graduated from Montclair High School in 2000.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Montclair.
“From sixth grade through high school, I was heavily involved in both sports and student leadership,” Howard said. “Playing team sports taught me the value of discipline, communication, and trust. Being part of student leadership instilled in me a sense of responsibility, decision-making, and the ability to lead by example.”
Howard joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Howard serves as an electronics technician.
Howard said the debates on college campuses surrounding the military and religion during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from people without a military background sparked her curiosity and led her to consider the importance of understanding before forming an opinion.
“Instead of relying on hearsay or assumptions, I decided to immerse myself in the military culture to gain a genuine perspective,” Howard said. “I joined the Navy, and I can honestly say that it has been an experience I will never regret. Now, 17 years later, I look back with pride and a deep appreciation for the men and women I have served alongside. I have developed a true empathy for all who serve, past and present. The friendships I've forged with my shipmates have given me a new perspective that I could never have gained from just sitting on the sidelines of those discussions.”
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.
Howard has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Being a Recruit Division Commander is a significant accomplishment because it placed me at the forefront of shaping the Navy’s future by transforming civilians into disciplined, mission-ready sailors at Recruit Training Command,” Howard said. “The role carries immense responsibility and trust, as you are charged with instilling the Navy’s core values during the most formative period of a sailor’s career with a legacy of impact on their future.”
As Howard and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the military isn’t just about fighting wars; it’s about understanding a shared commitment, resilience, and the sacrifices that come with it,” Howard said. “I encourage everyone to seek a deeper understanding, rather than jumping to conclusions without the full picture.”
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.
Howard is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to tell the best big sisters in the world that I love you and thank you for raising me, along with our mother, into the woman I am today,” added Howard.
 |
| 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.
Howard graduated from Montclair High School in 2000.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Montclair.
“From sixth grade through high school, I was heavily involved in both sports and student leadership,” Howard said. “Playing team sports taught me the value of discipline, communication, and trust. Being part of student leadership instilled in me a sense of responsibility, decision-making, and the ability to lead by example.”
Howard joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Howard serves as an electronics technician.
Howard said the debates on college campuses surrounding the military and religion during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from people without a military background sparked her curiosity and led her to consider the importance of understanding before forming an opinion.
“Instead of relying on hearsay or assumptions, I decided to immerse myself in the military culture to gain a genuine perspective,” Howard said. “I joined the Navy, and I can honestly say that it has been an experience I will never regret. Now, 17 years later, I look back with pride and a deep appreciation for the men and women I have served alongside. I have developed a true empathy for all who serve, past and present. The friendships I've forged with my shipmates have given me a new perspective that I could never have gained from just sitting on the sidelines of those discussions.”
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.
Howard has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Being a Recruit Division Commander is a significant accomplishment because it placed me at the forefront of shaping the Navy’s future by transforming civilians into disciplined, mission-ready sailors at Recruit Training Command,” Howard said. “The role carries immense responsibility and trust, as you are charged with instilling the Navy’s core values during the most formative period of a sailor’s career with a legacy of impact on their future.”
As Howard and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the military isn’t just about fighting wars; it’s about understanding a shared commitment, resilience, and the sacrifices that come with it,” Howard said. “I encourage everyone to seek a deeper understanding, rather than jumping to conclusions without the full picture.”
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.
Howard is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to tell the best big sisters in the world that I love you and thank you for raising me, along with our mother, into the woman I am today,” added Howard.