DeSoto native serves aboard Navy warship

Norfolk, Va.—Petty Officer 2nd Class Kennedy Hartman, a native of DeSoto, Texas, serves aboard USS Wasp, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, VA
 
Hartman graduated from Life High School in 2021. 

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

"My hometown influenced my Navy career by teaching me responsibility at an early age,” Hartman said. “I had to grow up quickly and take responsibility for my actions when I was young. Those experiences shaped how I approach leadership in the Navy.” 

Hartman joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Hartman serves as an aviation ordnanceman. 

"I joined the Navy to travel the world and have better opportunities," Harmony said. "The job security was also a big part of what attracted me to it." 

Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Wasp, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group. 
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Wasp with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked. 

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. 

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.” 

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. 

Hartman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. 

"I’m proud of making petty officer second class rank on my first try because that was a huge accomplishment for me," Hartman said. 

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

"I serve in the Navy because I want to take care of my sailors and my shipmates beside me, and be a role model for people back home," Hartman said 
Hartman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. 

“I want to give a big shoutout to my mom and dad for being my support system throughout my life,” Hartman said. 

SOURCE Navy Public Affairs Support Element East