SAN DIEGO - Lt. j.g. Spencer Goodwater, a native of Blaire, Nebraska, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Germantown, a dock landing ship operating out of Naval Base San Diego.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Diamond Kyles |
Goodwater graduated from Blaire High School in 2019.
“Nebraska is a very harsh environment,” Goodwater said. “You have to learn perseverance to keep going even when things get tough and conditions are unfavorable. In the Navy, having perseverance helps me get the mission done, even on the bad days.”
Goodwater joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I had lots of friends that were naval officers or prospective naval officers,” Goodwater said. “They told me how great the military was, and I saw how successful they were. So, I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
Today, Goodwater serves as a surface warfare officer.
Dock landing ships like USS Germantown transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel. The ships have a flat, open well deck in the back that fills its tank with water to let smaller boats and heavy vehicles float inside or drive out during beach operations. More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Germantown, and the ship is capable of transporting an additional 400 Marines.
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/
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.
Goodwater has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Earning my Surface Warfare Officer pin is by far my proudest naval accomplishment because it was the culmination of the last three years of my career,” Goodwater said. “There were long hours studying, and it took so much time and effort. However, now I can proudly wear my pin and know that other Sailors can rely on me, just like I rely on them.”
Goodwater 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 never quitting, no matter how hard or tough it gets,” Goodwater said. “The people on your left and right rely on you, so you can’t quit. You have to keep going to carry out the mission.”
Goodwater is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Lt. Tyler Martin and Machinist Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Henry Bills, for being reliable and for always listening to me, no matter what,” Goodwater added.