Submitted By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Walterboro, South Carolina, native is serving aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy Wasp class amphibious assault ship.
Petty Officer 1st Class John Green is a 2005 Colleton County High School graduate. Today, Green serves as a Navy information system technician responsible for maintaining over air connections with shore entities via various electromagnetic spectrum mediums for both Internet and voice communications.
Green joined the Navy 14 years ago for a better chance at becoming more cultured and versed in different aspects of society and the world.
According to Green, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Walterboro.
“I learned to respect authority and elders,” said Green. “In the Navy, I learned about the virtue of patience and that everything can be learned from.”
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex is the second ship in the Wasp-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts. Essex was a 1000-ton ironclad river gunboat of the U.S. Army and later U.S. Navy during the American Civil War.
According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
“What I enjoy most serving on board USS Essex, is the easy-going atmosphere between associates,” said Green.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Green is most proud of having the opportunity to visit many countries and learn about them through different experiences.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Green, 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 is a source of life experience,” added Green.
