Seaford Native Serves Aboard Warship

By Ensign Brittany Crocker, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Anderson, a native of Seaford, serves the U.S. Navy aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.

Anderson joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Anderson serves as a cryptologic collections technician aboard U.S.S. Shoup.

“My father is a retired New York Police Department lieutenant and veteran of the 9/11 response,” Anderson said. “Growing up with him as a role model, plus having a grandfather that served in the Navy, I felt inspired to answer the call.”

Growing up in Seaford, Anderson attended Seaford High School and graduated in 2005. Today, Anderson relies upon lessons learned in Seaford to succeed in the military.

“I learned a lot about teamwork playing hockey when I was growing up,” said Anderson. “That definitely helps in a military environment overall. Everyone knows what they have to do and chips in to accomplish the mission.”

These lessons have helped Anderson while serving aboard U.S.S. Shoup.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.

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 the Shoup. 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.           

Serving in the Navy means Anderson is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“We’re America’s Navy, but we protect the freedom of the seas for the entire world,” said Anderson.

More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic. 

Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”

Sailors like Anderson, have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“As a petty officer first class, my proudest moments are always watching the accomplishments of my junior sailors – watching them succeed and achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Anderson. “As the cryptologic warfare coordinator on board this ship, I led the Shoup’s cryptologic warfare team to certify and prepare the ship for future operational commitments.”

As Anderson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“It’s an honor to serve the United States of America and protect the rights of all citizens,” added Anderson. “Moreso, I get to lead some of the nation’s best and brightest in this mission.”