AMERICANA / PROTECTING HALF THE PLANET ONE WOMAN AT A TIME

U.S. Navy Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hicham

GUEST BLOG / By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt, Navy Office of Community Outreach.

A San Diego native and 2012 University City High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Carolyn Shaver serves as a Navy master-at-arms assigned to the security department at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operations. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Carolyn Shaver.

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Photo: David Finely, U.S. Navy

As a Navy master-at-arms, Shaver is responsible for the safety and security of the Naval base and its people.

Shaver credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in San Diego.

“My hometown taught me an appreciation for working with diverse groups of people,” said Shaver.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Shaver is serving in a part of the world 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 Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities."

Below: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) pulls past the Arizona Memorial and the MOORED battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) as she enters Pearl Harbor. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Carol Warden.

The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies. The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Shaver is most proud of earning three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

“I am proud of my recognitions because it gives me a sense of meaning and accomplishment,” said Shaver.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Shaver, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Shaver is honored to carry on that family tradition.

“Several of my cousins are in the military,” said Shaver.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Shaver and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Living in a place where many people only wish they could visit, even for a little while, is my favorite part of being stationed here. I have three years to explore not just Oahu but all of Hawaii,” added Shaver. “Serving in the Navy means I get to travel to different places while earning a degree and money.”