In The Armed Forces
U.S. Air Force Airman Bianca S. McIntosh graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
McIntosh is the daughter of Debbian C. Reynolds of Tamarac, Fla., and Brian D. McIntosh of Lauderhill, Fla., sister of Breanna S. McIntosh of Lauderhill, Fla., and grand-daughter of Janette and Ansel McIntosh of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
She is a 2016 graduate of Piper High School, Sunrise, Fla.
U.S. Air Force Airman Darius D. Williams graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Williams is the son of Lennox and Liana Elliott of Lauderhill, Fla.
By Navy Office of
Community Outreach
ROTA, Spain – A John Bound High School graduate and Miami native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Porter.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Zamora is a culinary specialist aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Rota, Spain. Porter is one of four destroyers homeported in Rota.
A Navy culinary specialist is responsible for ships services such as laundry, meal preparations, and the barbershop.
“I love to prepare good food for the crew,” said Zamoran. “It makes me feel good to know that they appreciate the time and effort put into it.”
Commissioned in 1999, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Porter, is 509 feet long; the length of more than 3 football fields. The ship is named after Commodore David Porter and his son, Adm. David Dixon Porter.
Porter is a tactical multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air submarine surface warfare in conjunction with being outfitted with aegis ballistic missile defense capabilities. BMD enables the ship to conduct long-range surveillance, tracking, and engagement of short and medium-range ballistic missiles.
“My Sailors are the heart and soul of this ship, and I absolutely have the best of the best. They have that adventurous spirit, and they truly want to be here,” said Cmdr. Andria Slough, Commanding Officer, USS Porter. “They’re a phenomenal group and are always willing to tackle any challenge and excel at every mission this ship is assigned. I feel privileged to be the Captain of such a talented and dedicated group of hard working men and women.”
Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry and everything in between.
“The command makes serving enjoyable and that is why the camaraderie is so good,” said Zamora. “I also enjoy traveling to a lot of places. I have been to 11 countries.”
Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Zamora and other Porter sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.
“I get to serve and give back,” said Zamora. “We are a part of the camaraderie.”
