Seaman Laura Oliver, a native of Mastic Beach, is serving aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance. Oliver graduated from William Floyd High School in 2023. 

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mastic Beach.

“Before I left for boot camp, my mother told me not to lose myself, and to always stay true and honest,” said Oliver. “I’ve worked to not change myself for other people and haven’t let people negatively influence me.”

Oliver joined the Navy one year ago. 

“I joined the Navy to travel and experience different cultures,” said Oliver. 

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 Barry. 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.

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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Oliver has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest moment is taking charge of a space aboard the ship,” said Oliver. “No one really wanted the paint locker because no one likes to have it as a job. I kind of got put into it, but I made it my own.”

Oliver serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means protecting my country and bettering myself,” added Oliver.