Page 19 - Mid America Boating - August 2023 issue

ship that can operate independently or as part
Navy Women from page 16
of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is
equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes,
Mentor native serves guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Jason
aboard U.S. Navy warship Dunham. Their jobs are highly specialized,
in Mayport, Florida requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs
range from maintaining engines to handling
weaponry along with a multitude of other
By Mass Communication Specialist assignments that keep the ship mission-ready
1st Class James Green, Navy Office of at all times, according to Navy officials.
Community Outreach With 90 percent of global commerce
traveling by sea and access to the internet 19 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] AUGUST 2023
MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffani relying on the security of undersea fiber
Harris, a native of Mentor, Ohio, is serving optic cables, Navy officials continue to
aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy emphasize that the prosperity of the United
warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida. States is directly linked to trained sailors
Harris, a 2015 graduate of Mentor High and a strong Navy.
School, joined the Navy four years ago. “Our mission remains timeless - to provide
“I joined the Navy for the educational our fellow citizens with nothing less than
opportunities, to travel and to make new the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all
friends,” said Harris. “In the Navy, I have times, focused on warfighting excellence, and
traveled to 13 different countries and had the committed to superior leadership at every
opportunity to meet and work with people single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of
from different backgrounds and cultures.” Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I
Today, Harris relies upon skills and values cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
similar to those found in Mentor to succeed in Serving in the Navy means Harris is part of
the military. a team that is taking on new importance in “I’m proud of a couple of accomplishments,” said Harris. “Professionally, I’m proud of being
“Growing up, I learned that humility and America’s focus on strengthening alliances, advanced to petty officer second class because of how challenging it is and the advancement
always finding the positive side in things modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities percentages are so low. Personally, I’m proud of my Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
will get you the furthest in life,” said Harris. and maintaining military readiness in support Medal. I received that for rendering life-saving aid to a civilian who had fallen and hit her head.”
“If you are constantly focusing on how bad of the National Defense Strategy. As Harris and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving
something is, it really defeats the purpose of “The U.S. Navy is instrumental in their country in the United States Navy.
enjoying the moment.” maintaining the security of our borders,” said “Serving in the Navy is a very humbling and rewarding experience,” said Harris. “I do this for
These lessons have helped Harris while Harris. “We are here to protect our coasts and my family, friends and for everyone who would love to join the military but doesn’t have the
serving in the Navy. the ideals of freedom and democracy.” opportunity to do so.”
Jason Dunham is a guided-missile destroyer Harris and the sailors they serve with Harris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
that provides a wide range of warfighting have many opportunities to achieve “I would like to thank my dad, Scott Harris,” added Harris. “He has given me continued support
capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission accomplishments during their military service. regardless of my decisions and is always being straightforward about all of my options.” MAB

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