PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Lt. j.g. Lucas Bernardini, a native of Weston, Florida, 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.
Bernardini graduated from Archbishop McCarthy High School in 2017. Additionally, Bernardini earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida International University in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Weston.
“I learned to be humble,” said Bernardini.
Bernardini joined the Navy over two years ago. Today, Bernardini serves as a supply officer.
“I wanted a challenge for myself, and I wanted to give back to my country,” said Bernardini. “My grandfather served in the military during the Bay of Pigs and my uncle also served in the military.”
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.
Bernardini has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was asked to promote two sailors, and it was a huge honor,” said Bernardini.
As Bernardini and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“It's an opportunity for me to give back to the country that gave a lot to my family,” said Bernardini. “My mother’s side is from Cuba, and my dad’s side is from Puerto Rico, and they came here with nothing and built a good life.”
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.
Bernardini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Antonio and Patricia, and the chiefs and petty officer first classes who helped me out in the Navy,” added Bernardini.
Bernardini always keeps Navy spirit in his mind.
“Go Navy, beat Army!” said Bernardini.
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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.
Bernardini graduated from Archbishop McCarthy High School in 2017. Additionally, Bernardini earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida International University in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Weston.
“I learned to be humble,” said Bernardini.
Bernardini joined the Navy over two years ago. Today, Bernardini serves as a supply officer.
“I wanted a challenge for myself, and I wanted to give back to my country,” said Bernardini. “My grandfather served in the military during the Bay of Pigs and my uncle also served in the military.”
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.
Bernardini has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was asked to promote two sailors, and it was a huge honor,” said Bernardini.
As Bernardini and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“It's an opportunity for me to give back to the country that gave a lot to my family,” said Bernardini. “My mother’s side is from Cuba, and my dad’s side is from Puerto Rico, and they came here with nothing and built a good life.”
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.
Bernardini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Antonio and Patricia, and the chiefs and petty officer first classes who helped me out in the Navy,” added Bernardini.
Bernardini always keeps Navy spirit in his mind.
“Go Navy, beat Army!” said Bernardini.