Hometown salute from a Navy Rear Admiral Editorial, Savannah News This weekend, I visited my hometown of Hinesville to take part in the 2014 Liberty County Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day Parade. What an honor to be back with family and friends as we celebrate an individual so important to our American history. During my visit, I met our Navy recruiters in the Savannah and Hinesville communities who work hard every day to find the best and brightest young men and women to serve in our great Navy. Approximately 323,000 men and women serve in todays Navy. Our mission is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. Our Navy is where it matters, when it matters and we grow stronger every day because of the dedication and spirit of those individuals who step up to protect and defend America. Our sailors are exceptional. They serve aboard ships, aircraft, submarines, or in special operations. They are healthcare professionals, nuclear engineers, mechanics, information specialists, and cyber-warfare experts, just to name a few. They serve in harms way and support humanitarian efforts. There are more than 4,500 Navy recruiters assigned to more than 1,500 recruiting stations across the country, and overseas. One of those stations is right here in Savannah. Recruiters are responsible for finding qualified individuals who can fill high-tech jobs that require strong math and science skills, and solid oral and written communication skills. Our Navy is complex. Sailors must be mentally, morally and physically fit, and finding those qualified men and women to join our ranks requires a daily commitment to engaging America. The job cannot be done alone. Recruiting is a team effort that must be undertaken in conjunction with communities across the nation; communities like Savannah and Hinesville. The investment you make in your young people today means a stronger Navy tomorrow. ANNIE ANDREWS Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy Navy Recruiting Command Millington, Tenn.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:41:30 +0000