Navy Office of Community Outreach

Pompano Beach Native Completes Daily Work Aboard USS America

Amphibious Squadron 11 Conducts Daily Routine

      SASEBO, Japan —Yeoman First Class Frantz Ferdinand, from Pompano Beach, Florida, assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11 (PHIBRON 11), conducts his daily work while onboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in Sasebo, Japan, June 3. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Consisting of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), transport dock ships USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and the dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47); Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 provides centralized planning embarkation, movement control, coordination and integration of all aspects of amphibious warfare.

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Fort Lauderdale Native Serves with U.S. Navy

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Gambrell (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief John Osborne)

 By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tracey Bannister, (Navy Office of Community Outreach)

      MAYPORT, FL — Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Gambrell, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Surface Combat Systems Training Command LTF Atlantic.

Gambrell graduated from Northeast High School in 2000.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

“My hometown taught me that if you put your mind to something, you need to stick with it and push through,” said Gambrell. “They also emphasized the importance of always keeping to your word and never making promises that you cannot guarantee.”

Gambrell joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Gambrell serves as a boatswain’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to serve my country and protect the values and virtues that I hold dear,” said Gambrell. “I wanted to provide for my family.”

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.

“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.”

Gambrell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is receiving my qualification to teach new sailors about deck operations onboard littoral combat ships,” said Gambrell. “I’m proud of being qualified to drive multi-billion dollar ships to accomplish our missions.”

Gambrell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy is the highest honor that I have achieved,” said Gambrell. “It means being a part of something greater than me.”

Gambrell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my family for the support they have shown me and for being able to have the fortitude to endure the lifestyle of being in the military,” added Gambrell. “I want to thank my friends for always being understanding for the long periods of non-communication and then picking up as if no time has passed.”