MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class William Bivens, a native of Syracuse, New York, and assigned to the Wasp-class multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), traveled to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, from March 19-21 to honor the fallen heroes of the Bataan Death March.
Bivens graduated from Corcoran High School in 2010 and joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Bivens serves as a hospital corpsman.
“The military provided a foundation not only for myself, but my father, uncle, and great-uncle,” Bivens said. “I knew that one day I would give back to my country and serve our nation.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Syracuse.
“I learned that my hometown will always be there, but being able to explore the world while protecting our nation is truly an unmatched feeling,” Bivens said.
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.
Bivens has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is reenlisting for six more years and being able to wear the uniform of the greatest navy in the world,” Bivens said. “When a sailor is injured or ill, their first stop for treatment is me. Being able to provide efficient, effective care is something I’m very proud of, and it allows me to contribute to our Navy every day.”
Bivens 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 means that I will contribute every day to ensuring our country is protected and prepared for any conflict that arises,” Bivens said.
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/