By Lt. j. g. Taylor Worley, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Petty Officer 3rd Class Kaitlain Cross, a native of Winter Haven, Florida, is with Navy Medicine at Navy Medical Readiness Logistics Command, where she supports operational readiness as a hospital corpsman.
“Growing up in my hometown, I saw people my age working multiple jobs while attending school just to help their families pay bills,” Cross said. “I saw my own mother work every day without a break just to support me. Seeing all these people work endlessly to provide for their loved ones taught me that even when times are hard or when I am tired, I still have to put the work in to take care of myself and my family, which is a big reason I joined the Navy. As a corpsman, I have a military family that I also need to take care of, so even when I'm feeling under the weather or need a break, I just take a deep breath and remind myself that I am here to take care of them.”
Cross, a graduate of Riverview High School in 2020, has been in the Navy for five years.
“I have three older siblings who have joined the Army and Marine Corps,” Cross said. “I knew from a young age, and watching the news every morning with my mom, that I wanted to do something of equal importance for this world. I knew by ninth grade, after intensive research, that I wanted to be a hospital corpsman and work alongside both the Navy and Marine Corps. I made that promise to myself that I would achieve just that. Having the support of my mom meant everything to me as I was the youngest of her four children. I put my head into my books and graduated a year early so that I could fulfill a dream of mine.”
According to Navy officials, Navy Medical Readiness Logistics Command provides global logistics support to Navy Medicine, ensuring medical forces and facilities are supplied, equipped and ready to support operational commanders.
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.
Cross has had many opportunities to achieve success during her military service.
“I am most proud of having the opportunity to be a leading petty officer at the age of 18 when I was only an E-2,” Cross said. “I was given a chance to lead six sailors and provide them with tools to succeed in the Navy, and I only hope they learned something from me and will help other sailors who come along.”
Cross 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 been one of the most humbling and honorable experiences,” Cross said. “I will say there have been many ups and many downs throughout my time in service, but the challenges that I have faced so far have only made me a better and stronger person.”
Cross is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for her unwavering support throughout my whole career,” Cross said. “I would not be where I am today if it weren't for her allowing me to graduate early to pursue this career and for signing the forms to allow me to join when I was 17 years old. My mom is my best friend and has helped support me, whether it’s me calling her to vent or ask for advice. I will forever be in her debt.”
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/