MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiana Camara, a native of Staten Island, New York, assigned to the Wasp-class multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), will travel to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, from March 19-21 to honor the fallen heroes of the Bataan Death March.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbia.
“I took a hustler’s mindset from New York and applied it to my naval career,” Camara said. “I learned early that nothing in life is handed to you. That is why I continue to push myself and constantly strive for more.”
Camara graduated from Curtis High School in 2022 and joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Camara serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy to create a stepping stone in my life,” Camara said. “Coming from Staten Island, I always had big dreams, and I knew I wanted to build something greater for myself. I also knew the Navy would give me the opportunity to challenge myself, gain discipline, and open doors that would help me grow both personally and professionally.”
During the three-day namesake visit, the Sailors connected with the local community and paid their respects to the service members who endured one of World War II's most harrowing events. The visit provided a powerful opportunity for the community to engage with their U.S. Navy and witness firsthand the professionalism and commitment of its Sailors.
The cornerstone of the visit was the crew's participation in the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March 21. Sailors either ran or hiked the 15.6-mile honorary route across the challenging high desert terrain of the missile range. Other events included visits to local schools and meetings with descendants of Bataan survivors.
The USS Bataan memorializes the valiant resistance of American and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula who, after a brutal three-month battle defined by severe shortages and rampant disease, surrendered on April 9, 1942. The surrender led to the infamous Bataan Death March, where approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners were forced on a torturous 65-mile march to prison camps.
The Bataan’s primary mission is to land, train, and deploy a Marine Landing Force during sustained joint amphibious combat operations. The warship is crewed with Sailors and Marines to support a wide range of joint maritime operations, including humanitarian disaster relief and evacuation missions.
For more information about USS Bataan, visit the ship’s official U.S. Navy page at https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/LHD5/.
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Camara has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was when we returned home from our 2023-24 deployment,” Camara said. “Being topside and working on the flight deck and knowing that I helped get the aircraft to the mission filled me with great pride. Hearing all of the statistics once the mission was over made the grind 10 times more worth it. I love being a part of something bigger than myself. It has taught me teamwork, resilience, and how to stay focused in demanding environments.”
Camara serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy has built my character,” Camara said. “I used to feel disappointed or ‘behind’ when I looked at my peers from high school, but I now realize all the long-term goals I’ve accomplished are something to be very proud of.”
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. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/