By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, TENN. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Samir Georges, a native of Miami, Florida, is serving aboard USS Gravely, a U.S. Navy warship, currently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean participating in the Carrier Strike Group Four Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test its ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
Georges, a 2016 Miami Killian High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to start a new path in my life and to start my independence as an adult,” said Georges. “The Navy has provided me with many opportunities to grow in different areas of my life.”
Georges relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Miami to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught to be respectful to others and be appreciative of what I have,” said Georges. “I feel that these values instilled in me early on have led to my success as a hospital corpsman.”
These lessons have helped Georges while serving in the Navy.
Today, Georges serves as a hospital corpsman aboard USS Gravely.
“I would describe my job as an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) member,” said Georges. “My job deals with patient care and providing emergency medical assistance, if needed.”
Gravely is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The 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 Gravely. 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.
“I really like the people at my command,” said Georges. “It’s interesting to meet people from different places and they all give me different perspectives on life. My leadership is also very approachable and easy to talk to.”
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Georges and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of having the opportunity to be an example for younger sailors that are trying to gain traction in their lives,” said Georges.
As Georges and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy to me means being a part of a common goal and achieving something that is bigger than myself,” added Georges. “It also means helping others in need.”
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