In The US Navy

Once a former student of the International Community School in Bangkok, today Thai national Alisa Sandlin is serving in the US Navy and is thousands of miles from home. She is just one of some 300 sailors aboard the USS Sampson, a guided-missile destroyer operating out of Everett, Washington. Having joined the Navy two years ago, she now holds the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade) and is making everyone at home very proud.

 

“I wanted to travel and learn how to be a good leader,” says Lt j.g. Sandlin. “I learned teamwork. I played a lot of sports and developed the ability to trust other people to do their jobs for the overall success of the whole team.”

 

As a graduate of the International Community School of Bangkok, she is now putting to use skills and values similar to those found in Bangkok. These lessons have helped Sandlin while serving aboard USS Sampson.

 

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 Sampson. Their jobs are highly specialised, 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.

 

Serving in the Navy means Alisa is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defence Strategy.

 

“The Navy provides maritime security and creates allies with other countries so that they feel secure in their water front,” she says with a broad smile.

 

With more than 90 percent of all trade travelling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fibre optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasise that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

 

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities and capacity.

 

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

 

Sandlin and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

 

“I’m proud of earning a supply management certification with a score of 95,” said Sandlin. “It shows our entire department was able to pass our inspection. It showed our operation was not just good but great.”

 

As Sandlin and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defence, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

 

“I get to represent my country while overseas and I directly have a say in the leadership aspect of moving our country forward in decision-making and relationships with allies,” added Sandlin.

 

 

Photo courtesy Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy.

 

Source: Navy Office of Community Outreach.