Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Gaono, a 2010 graduate of Waynesville High School, joined the Navy 11 years ago.

“I joined the Navy to start a career, to better myself and to be a part of something bigger in life,” said Gaono.

Today, Gaono relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Waynesville to succeed in the military.

“In my younger years I thought I knew everything,” said Gaono. “As I have grown, I eventually found out how much I didn’t know.”

These lessons have helped Gaono while serving in the Navy.

St. Louis is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.

According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is unique and challenging. The culmination of their 18-month training pipeline, sailors qualify on a virtual reality simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping on board.

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.”

Serving in the Navy means Gaono is part of a team 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 Navy is important to national defense because we ensure maritime dominance around the globe,” said Gaono.

Gaono and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is having the opportunity to mentor junior sailors,” said Gaono.

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

“To me, serving in the Navy gives people of America a fighting chance who can’t protect themselves,” said Gaono.

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

“I would like to thank my recruiter, Lawrence Anderson, for being consistent and honest when I joined the Navy,” added Gaono.