Those born and raised in the Arkansas River Valley can often find themselves traveling the world. In a photo taken in the South China Sea on Oct. 14, Ensign Shepard Petit, from Salida, Colo., stands junior officer of the deck watch, aboard Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), during routine operations.
The Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
This duty is becoming more important than ever as more than 90 percent of all trade goods now travels by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic is carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor. Navy officials are continuing to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Featured photo: Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden/released. Image link: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6892368/uss-charleston-sailors-stand-watch
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