By M. Dawn Scott, Navy Office of Community Outreach Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore Quintana
MAYPORT, Fla. – A 2017 Robinson graduate and Tampa, Florida, native provides key support as part of combat operations aboard USS Philippine Sea.
Seaman Michael Davis is a Navy boatswain's mate aboard the guided-missile cruiser.
A boatswain's mate trains, directs, and supervises personnel in ship's maintenance duties in all activities relating to marlinespikes, decks, boat seamanship, painting, upkeep of ship's external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and lifeboats; take charge of working parties; perform seamanship tasks; act as petty officer-in-charge of picket boats, self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district crafts; and operate and maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores.
“This job is physically demanding but I like getting a hard days work in,” David said.
Davis credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Tampa.
“Patience, in general, take a deep breath, step back and compose and then move forward,” Davis said.
U.S. Navy sailors, like Davis, are stationed both stateside and on the high seas aboard surface ships around the world. Philippine Sea is one of more than 60 ships on the east coast of the United States as part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
U.S. Navy ships are deployed globally, and their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is vital to project power, secure common areas, deter aggression and assure allies when and where desired.
Due to its extensive combat capability, Philippine Sea is able to fire Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and other weapons as part of sustained combat operations against targets on and below the sea, in addition to hitting targets hundreds of miles over the land.
The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the ship’s electronic sensors and weapons systems to defend against anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s air search and fire control radar provides continuous search and tracking of hundreds targets simultaneously.
The crew of more than 400 sailors build a strong fellowship while working alongside each other. The sailors are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions as part of a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.
“it is a small boy and you get a taste of the Navy that most boatswain's mates do not get to experience,” Davis said.
Though there are many ways for a sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Davis is most proud of getting through all the qualifications and getting underway.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Davis and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means giving back to the country that has given me everything,” Davis said.