By Megan Brown
MAYPORT, Fla. — Lt. Cmdr. Loney Cason, a 2003 Millington Central High School graduate and 2009 University of South Florida graduate, serves aboard USS Lassen, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Millington.
“I learned growing up to be well-rounded, to stay humble and to always remember where I come from,” said Cason. “As a military kid, I moved from school to school and that has helped me adapt and be more well-rounded. You also have to remember where you come from so you don’t get a big head onboard.”
Cason joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Cason serves as the executive officer of USS Lassen.
“I joined the Navy because I was a military kid and I wanted to continue a family tradition of service,” said Cason. “I also wanted the opportunity to see the world and lead the finest men and women I’ve ever known.”
A Navy 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 Lassen. 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% 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.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Cason has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of seeing my sailors and officers succeed in all that they do, whether it is advancements, promotions, being selected for milestones or just being the best they can be,” said Cason. “I have received a lot of accomplishments throughout my career, but the most rewarding is to see them succeed.”
Cason 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 providing a security blanket for everyone to enjoy the freedoms we have in this great country,” said Cason. “It also means being able to answer the nation’s call whenever needed.”
Cason is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Jenn, for her support and understanding of my long hours and time away,” added Cason. “I also want to thank my kids, Hayden, Aubrey and Maya, for being the reason I wake up every morning and do what I do. I want to thank my dad, Loney, mom, Paula, and sister, Kerri, as well for always being there. Lastly, I want to thank my mentors for anything and everything I’ve done in my career.”
