NORFOLK, VA. – Petty Officer 1st Class Parker Wardell, a native of Tampa, Florida, serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Wardell attended H.B. Plant High School and graduated in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tampa.
“I didn’t learn many lessons from home, but I have learned a lot from being in the Navy,” said Wardell. “My hometown has taught me to communicate with people and understand that everyone has different personalities. This affects how you manage people.”
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Wardell joined the Navy nine years ago and today serves as a fire control technician.
“I went to college and that didn’t work out because I wasn’t sure where I wanted to end up after, so I ended up in the Navy,” said Wardell.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition. New Jersey is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built for a full gender-integrated crew.
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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.
Wardell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Wardell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was qualifying as a submarine launch drone pilot,” said Wardell. “It was an experimental program and I was grateful to be a part of it.”
Wardell can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the Navy gives a big sense of purpose,” said Wardell.
Wardell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my friend, Jason Mohrman, who offered me a lot of guidance while in college, and I would also like to thank Capt. Jeff Laughbauh for his leadership and guidance,” added Wardell.
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