Vosburg, a 2002 graduate of Hudsonville High School and a 2019 graduate of Liberty University, joined the Navy 21 years ago.

 

“I wanted to serve in the military at a young age but it wasn’t until high school that I decided the Navy was for me,” said Vosburg. “As a senior in high school during 9/11, the desire to serve our country was only fueled even more.”

 

Today, Vosburg relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hudsonville to succeed in the military.

 

“Growing up in Hudsonville, I was taught the value of hard work and to never quit,” said Vosburg. “I also learned that everyone deserves respect and that people come first.”

 

These lessons have helped Vosburg while serving in the Navy.

 

St. Louis is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

 

Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.

 

According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is unique and challenging. The culmination of their 18-month training pipeline, sailors qualify on a virtual reality simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping on board.

 

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.

 

“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 Vosburg 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 instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideas of freedom and democracy,” said Vosburg.

 

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

 

“I have been blessed to have a lot of accomplishments in the Navy,” said Vosburg. “However, I’m most proud of being able to watch my son graduate from Navy boot camp and start his service to our country.”

 

As Vosburg 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 is a very fulfilling and rewarding experience,” said Vosburg. “Not everyone has the opportunity to serve in the military. It is an honor to wake up every day and put on the Navy uniform.”

 

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

 

“I would like to thank my parents, Mark and Dianne, for the love and support they provided me in my decision to join the Navy,” said Vosburg. “As a father now watching my son leave home to serve, as hard as that was, I am extremely proud of him.”

 

“I’d like to recognize the crew of USS St. Louis for all of their hard work and dedication,” added Vosburg.