Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO, CA—- Nearly two years ago, Seaman Percy Williams joined the Navy because his older brother was joining at the time and he did not know if he wanted to go to college. Now, he is serving aboard the USS Boxer.
Williams is an operations specialist who is responsible for collecting and processing tactical data and displaying it for the ship and aircraft to see.
“My favorite part about the job is being important, being vigilant and always being aware of what is going on,” said Williams.
Williams is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.
According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.
“San Bernardino taught me teamwork is essential for the mission to be completed,” said Williams.
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 that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Williams is most proud of finishing his first deployment successfully.
“It is not really an easy task,” said Williams. “Deployment brings a lot of stress and negativity and it is hard to stay positive. However, I did a good job of staying positive and focusing on the task at hand.”
For Williams, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Williams hopes to continue.
“My uncle was in the Navy, great uncle was in the Air Force, another great uncle served 20 years in the Navy, my sister is in the Army, and my cousin is station in Lemoore, California,” said Williams. “Everyone in the military has different stories so when I joined I was able to create my own story to be able to tell them.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Williams, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Williams.
