Barstow Native Serves Aboard Navy’s Newest Warship

By Petty Officer 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, VA – Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Franz, a native of Barstow, California, serves aboard the Navy’s newest warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia. USS Fort Lauderdale, an amphibious transport dock ship, was commissioned July 30 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“If there is one thing that history has shown us from the days of antiquity it is that the stakes of the competition for control of the seas are high and for our part, USS Fort Lauderdale stands ready to deliver on any day, and at any time,” said Capt. James Quaresimo, the ship’s commanding officer. “And those that may wish to challenge us – they should pause. For we are equipped with America’s unstoppable secret weapon that our enemies will never be able to duplicate and that is the fierce, dedicated, and unstoppable, men and women of the United States Navy and Marine Corps!”

Franz joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Franz serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate.

“I joined to get out and explore the world,” said Franz. “I also like the ocean and wanted to be close to it throughout my career.”

Growing up in Barstow, Franz attended Barstow High School and graduated in 2008. Today, Franz relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Barstow to succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me the importance of being responsible as an individual for my own actions,” said Franz.These lessons have helped Franz while serving aboard USS Fort Lauderdale.

Amphibious transport dock ships are warships used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked Landing Craft Air Cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft. These ships support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious operations.

Serving in the Navy means Franz is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy provides maritime peace for all countries,” said Franz. We’re the first line of defense for the United States and our allies.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

Franz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m really proud of being named Junior Sailor of the Year in 2020,” said Franz. “I was up against 20 other sailors in the region. The ship had an awards ceremony for me. It made me proud and lifted me up to be recognized. It gave me a morale boost that I really needed. It greatly impacted me.”

As Franz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving means a lot to me because my uncle and grandfather both served, so it’s a family tradition that I’m proud to carry on,” added Franz.

Author: Wallace