Manning native serves aboard 1 of Navy's most versatile combat warships

MAYPORT, Florida - A 1995 Manning High School graduate and Manning native provides key support as part of combat operations aboard Littoral Combat Ship the USS Saint Louis, stationed at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

Chief Petty Officer Shantay Peterson serves as an information systems technician who is responsible for working with the computers and the communication systems on and off the ship.

Peterson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Manning.

"I learned to always do my best in everything I do and don't ever give up no matter how hard things may get," said Peterson. "Also, never forget where you came from."

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.

The ship's technological benefits allow for swapping mission packages quickly, meaning sailors can support multiple missions, such as surface warfare, mine warfare, or anti-submarine warfare. Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from traditional Navy shipbuilding programs. The LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.

According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18-month training pipeline, sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping onboard.

Peterson is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.

"I have a grandfather, two uncles and numerous cousins who have all served in the military," said Peterson. "It's a family thing for us to serve."

Peterson is part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

"I enjoy seeing junior sailors get recognized and advance through their career," said Peterson. "It makes me proud to see their progress."

Peterson is playing an important part in America's focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

"Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships," said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. "Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities."

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's most relied upon capital assets, Peterson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

Serving in the Navy, Peterson is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.

"Serving in the Navy means everything to me," said Peterson. "I am able to provide a better life for my family. I am able to travel the world and meet amazing people while serving my country."