PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Cabusao, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, is serving aboard USS Wayne E. Meyer, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Cabusao, a 2012 graduate of George Washington High School, joined the Navy 10 years ago.

“I joined the Navy to travel and be more independent,” said Cabusao.

Today, Cabusao relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Las Vegas to succeed in the military.

“Growing up in my hometown, I learned not to take things personally,” said Cabusao.

These lessons have helped Cabusao while serving in the Navy.

Wayne E. Meyer is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The 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 Wayne E. Meyer. 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.

With 90 percent 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.

"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."

Serving in the Navy means Cabusao is part of a team 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.

“The Navy is important to National Defense because we protect and defend our nation and our allies,” said Cabusao.

Cabusao and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is when I was a recruit division commander and I helped train civilians into sailors,” said Cabusao.

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

“Serving in the Navy means I get to help others and our country,” said Cabusao. "It is a very fulfilling and rewarding experience."

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

“I would like to thank my mom for her support and helping me navigate my career and keeping me balanced,” added Cabusao.