By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Davion Cook, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Cook graduated from North East High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Lauderdale.
“Before I enlisted in the Navy I went to college and was taught great time management,” said Cook. “Being where I needed to be on time and completing tasks on time has helped me in my time in the Navy. Teamwork was also a huge skill set that also is important here in the Navy.”
Cook joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Cook serves as an electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy to grow outside of my comfort zone and be part of something bigger than myself,” said Cook. “The Navy provides unique experiences that are not available to everyone and that I would not have had back home.”
USS Rafael Peralta, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Rafael Peralta. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Cook serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Cook has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that I continue to learn about my rate in my field each and every day,” said Cook. “The Navy gives you all the tools you will need for success and trains you at the same time.”
Cook can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means doing a job for the betterment of others,” said Cook. “Here in the Navy, we put others above ourselves and try to make the world a better place.“ The Navy will bring you out of your comfort zone and help you become a better communicator and work with others,” added Cook.
Cook is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Mom, Quanedral, for raising me to be the man and sailor I am today,” said Cook. “Even though she was sad to see me go, she knew I was capable of more and needed to spread my wings.”
Cook offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.
“The Navy will bring you out of your comfort zone and help you become a better communicator and work with others,” added Cook.
