By Lt. Cmdr. Amy Hession, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Chief Petty Officer Clarence Allen, a native of Dallas, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLCSI), located in Sigonella, Italy.

Allen joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Allen serves as a logistics specialist.

“I joined the Navy for the educational benefits,” said Allen. “Once I joined, I aspired to travel and see the world.”

Growing up in Dallas, Allen attended Sam Houston High School and graduated in 1987. Today, Allen uses the same skills and values learned in Dallas to succeed in the military.

“Valuing my family and knowing teamwork is the key to success,” said Allen. “I learned that from my hometown.”

These lessons have helped Allen while serving in the Navy.

NAVSUP FLCSI is one of Naval Supply System Command’s eight globally positioned commands. It provides a full range of contracting, administrative and logistics support services to U.S. naval and joint warfighters, as well as NATO and allied partners, through its enduring locations in Spain and Italy; forward operating sites in Greece, Djibouti, Romania and Poland; contingency/cooperative security locations in the United Kingdom, Iceland and Norway; and NATO support elements in Portugal, Spain and Italy.

"NAVSUP FLCSI provides logistics, business and support services to U.S. Naval, Joint and Allied forces through partnerships and sound business practices in order to set theater readiness with material accountability," said Capt. Douglas S. MacKenzie, commanding officer, NAVSUP FLCSI.

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.

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

“Advancing in rank to chief petty officer is my proudest moment,” said Allen. “I invested a lot of time into preparing myself and I sacrificed a lot of family time in taking the newly restructured exam.”

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

“My dad was in the Army and served in the Korean conflict, but never spoke of it,” added Allen. “When I got older, my father talked to me about going into the service. I joined when I was older and was able to get my education obtaining two degrees. Leaders took the time to mentor me and ever since then, there was no turning back. Now, I really enjoy my career after I become more experienced. One day when I leave, I want to make sure I pass on all I learned to other sailors so they can carry the torch.”