By Lt. Jill Brown,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer Second Class Michael Stokes, a native of Rochester, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships.
Stokes joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, he serves as a gunner’s mate aboard USS Indianapolis, a littoral combat ship (LCS) based in Mayport, Florida.
“The stability of the Navy led me to join,” said Stokes.
Stokes attended Gates-Chili High School and graduated in 2009. He finds the values in Rochester similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in the Great Lakes region, flexibility was a big one with the weather always changing,” said Stokes. “Being flexible is a big part of the Navy with changing schedules. You always have to be on your toes.”
These lessons have helped Stokes while serving in the Navy.
Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, the LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.
“Serving as the commanding officer of this ship is a great honor,” said Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen. “We’re all part of the USS Indianapolis legacy and being part of this crew is incredible. Meeting these 70 Americans, learning their story, knowing how they are continuing a proud legacy is inspiring.”
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an extensive training pipeline, sailors must qualify using state-of-the-art simulators that are nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately once they report aboard.
Serving in the Navy means Stokes is part of a world 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.
“The Navy is vital in protecting our waterways and national assets abroad,” said Stokes.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet, off the coasts of Central and South America, to support counter-narcotics operations and conduct exercises and exchanges with partner nations. The LCS’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making the ship an ideal vessel for these types of engagements.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Stokes is most proud of receiving a Navy and Marine Corps medal for pulling a man out of a car wreck in Norfolk, Virginia.
“In the Navy, we take an oath to defend our country, but doing the small things can make a difference,” said Stokes.
As Stokes and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I plan to retire from the Navy,” added Stokes. “It is a sense of pride when you can take a group of people with common interests to achieve a greater outcome.”
