Merl Grove alumna serves US Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet in Italy
PETTY Officer 1st Class Shaba Rowe, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, serves the US Navy at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLCSI), located in Sigonella, Italy.
Rowe joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Rowe serves as a Navy counsellor.
“Travelling inspired me to join the Navy,” said Rowe. “My recruiter showed me her cruise book and all the places she’d been.”
Growing up in Kingston, Rowe attended Merl Grove High School and graduated in 1996. Today, Rowe uses the same skills and values learnt in Kingston to succeed in the military.
“One of the most important things I learnt in Kingston is to be resilient, which helps me to this very day,” said Rowe.
These lessons have helped Rowe while serving in the Navy.
NAVSUP FLCSI is one of Naval Supply System Command’s eight globally positioned commands. It provides a full range of contracting, administrative, and logistics support services to US naval and joint warfighters, as well as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and allied partners, through its enduring locations in Spain and Italy; forward operating sites in Greece, Djibouti, Romania, and Poland; contingency/cooperative security locations in the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Norway; and NATO support elements in Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
“NAVSUP FLCSI provides logistics, business, and support services to US naval, joint and allied forces through partnerships and sound business practices in order to set theatre readiness with material accountability,” said Captain Douglas S McKenzie, commanding officer, NAVSUP FLCSI.
With more than 90 per cent of all trade travelling by sea, and 95 per cent of the world’s international phone and Internet traffic carried through fibre-optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasise that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Rowe and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of my participation in Operation Allied Refuge,” said Rowe. “Working with translators and evacuees was rewarding. It was tough, but very rewarding.”
As Rowe and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means not only taking the oath and following orders, but it means having freedom and being able to take care of my family,” added Rowe.
