​Dillard High School Graduate Gabriel Samy
The Fort Lauderdale Native Serves Aboard Navy Warship In San Diego

Samy graduated from Dillard High School in 2017.

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

“Growing up, I learned to work hard, to never give up or falter under pressure,” Samy said. “Having that mindset put that fire into me. I feel like it’s helped me basically learn how to adapt. During hard times, it’s easy to give in and here you’re not really able to quit.”

Samy joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Samy serves as a machinist’s mate.

“I was working for a temp company before I joined the Navy and I met some prior enlisted guys who told me about the Navy,” Samy said. “They told me about traveling and having a steady income. They were still getting paid by the military while they were working with me.”

Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.

Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, 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 Jack H. Lucas. 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.

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% 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.

Samy has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m most proud of my medals from Captain’s Cup,” Samy said. “It’s a competition between other commands on the base. We won the overall competition. I’m also proud of the stability I have now.”

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

“Serving in the Navy means having integrity and protecting those who can’t defend themselves,” Samy said.

Samy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank Command Master Chief Marcus Jimenez for going to bat for me and constantly giving me guidance on how to improve my career as a sailor,” Samy said. “He really believed in me.”

Samy offered advice for anyone considering a future in the military.

“The Navy is a great opportunity if you’re looking for a path forward,” Samy added.

(Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West)