Trending
MERIDIAN, Miss. -- Sailors are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to Navy officials, and this training requires highly-dedicated instructors.
At Naval Technical Training Center Meridian, instructors teach sailors to be combat-ready warfighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Seaman Logan Grant, a native of Wintersville, is a student at NTTC Meridian, learning the necessary skills needed to be a yeoman.
"As a yeoman, I will be responsible for most of the paperwork the Navy needs done," said Grant. "This includes things like pay and work schedules. I may even be responsible for paperwork for an admiral."
Grant, a 2023 graduate of Steubenville High School, joined the Navy three months ago.
"I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities but also to grow professionally and personally," said Grant. "My dad served in the Navy, so he gave me more insight into this branch than others."
Grant relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Wintersville to succeed in the military.
"I learned in my hometown that I need to grow and become something I'm proud of," said Grant. "The Navy has given me a better understanding of life and has helped me grow already. The environment is designed to make you stronger and the Navy has the resources and the mindset to make you succeed."
NTTC Meridian, located at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss., is committed to developing dedicated and motivated sailors and Marines. Following boot camp, instructors provide entry-level "A" school training to students in administration and supply ratings.
NTTC Meridian is one of the more than 1,640 subordinate learning sites that serve as part of the Naval Education and Training Command domain. NETC educates and trains those who serve, providing the tools and opportunities enabling life-long learning, professional and personal growth, and development ensuring fleet readiness and mission accomplishment.
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.
Serving in the Navy means Grant is part of a team 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.
"I believe the Navy is important to national defense because we keep shipping lanes free and safe and protect our coasts," said Grant.
"Most often, our enemies will be at sea. We're there to keep watch."
Grant has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I'm very proud of achieving a 4.95 out of 5 in our battle stations test," said Grant. "That showed that my hard work paid off."
As Grant and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"I'm doing this to become successful and have an experience that will help me improve myself in many ways," said Grant. "The Navy has changed me for the better and has given me the opportunities to grow and succeed."
Grant is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I would like to thank my dad, Bill Grant, who served in the Navy and pushed me to be successful," added Grant. "He gave me the tools to join the Navy.
"I also want to thank my mom, Annette Grant, for the massive amount of love she gave me during boot camp, which was one of the hardest times of my life."