From Fort Mill to the sea: A sailor’s path to a Navy warship

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trace Gorsuch, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Gale graduated from Catawba Ridge in 2024.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Mill.

“I learned a hard work ethic and time management from juggling various part-time jobs along with academics and extracurricular activities throughout high school,” Gale said.

Gale joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Gale serves as a gunner’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to put on the uniform so someone else didn’t need to,” Gale said. “I did Junior RTOC in high school, and both my major from the Marine Corps and senior chief from the Navy encouraged me to pursue a career in the Navy.”

A Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Oakland is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. Crews aboard the ship can operate unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles. These ships can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Gale has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is earning the qualification as a Mark 110, 57 mm gun technician, which increases my ability to utilize the main weapons system of the LCS 24,” Gale said. “I am the junior sailor and the only upcoming gunner’s mate and subject matter expert on board this ship.”

Gale 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 gives me the opportunity to grow not only my character but to learn a valuable set of skills in an uncommon environment,” Gale said.

Gale is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my father and mother, Tim and Cindy Gale, for all their support and guidance in my decision to join the Navy,” Gale added. “I would also like to thank my JROTC Senior Chief, Vincent Lupino, for his ongoing guidance and mentorship outside of school. He always checks up on me to make sure I’m doing well.