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By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Hannah Morgan, a native of Chelsea, Oklahoma, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Morgan graduated in 2019 from Claremore-Sequoyah High School.

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

“A lesson I have kept with me from my hometown is having a strong work ethic,” said Morgan. “With both my parents as examples of demonstrating hard work, what I learned from them has helped me thrive in the Navy. Having a daughter now, it is something I hope she learns from me.”

Morgan joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Morgan serves as a quartermaster aboard USS Kearsarge.

“I joined the Navy to travel and further my education,” said Morgan. “Coming from a small town, I wanted to explore and see the world. The education benefits are nice, too.”

Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.

Serving in the Navy means Morgan 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.

“Alongside our allies and partners, we defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and safe,” said Morgan. “The Navy is important because it gives everybody peace of mind and allows them to feel safe.”

With 90% 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.

Morgan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was when I received my Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal when I was on shore duty,” said Morgan. “It was for outstanding performance in and out of my career field. I was working in the security department while assigned to Commander, U.S. Second Fleet.”

As Morgan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“For me, serving in the Navy means having endless opportunities,” said Morgan. “It allows me to lead, mentor and help develop the other sailors who will come after me. I like helping and being new to something like the Navy is a very big adjustment. I like helping the sailors adjust.”

Morgan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my family: my parents, sisters and grandparents,” added Morgan. “They’ve all encouraged me throughout my service. They check in on me and continue to support me.”