Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicole Barron, a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
Barron joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Barron serves as a culinary specialist aboard USS Shoup.
“My dad was a Marine and I respected his character and his sense of values,” said Barron. “I joined the Navy because I wanted to experience what the military taught my father.”
Growing up in Stockbridge, Barron attended Stockbridge High School and graduated in 2012. Today, Barron relies upon lessons learned in Stockbridge to succeed in the military.
“My parents taught me to pay attention to details,” said Barron. “The reward is in the little details that make the job worthwhile.”
These lessons have helped Barron while serving aboard USS Shoup.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide 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 USS Shoup. 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.
Serving in the Navy means Barron is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The U.S. Navy has such a strong presence around the world, both on the seas and in the air, and we are able to react quickly to any need,” said Barron. “We can bring the defense to any corner of the world quickly.”
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “ Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Sailors like Barron have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment while in the Navy was advancing in rank to petty officer second class,” said Barron. “By advancing in rank, I was able to have a greater voice and influence at my job. Having influence helps me to mentor others and to make the work environment better for everyone.”
As Barron and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.”
“Wearing the uniform means I am helping to protect my family as well as other families around the world,” added Barron.
