SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Treshawn Hampton, a native of Houston, Texas, serves with pre-commissioning unit (PCU) John L. Canley, operating out of San Diego, California.

Hampton, a 2021 Cypress Falls High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.

“My oldest sister was in the Navy and I saw all the opportunities it provided her,” said Hampton. “She was traveling and was able to get an apartment on her own and start a family. I wanted those things for myself as well.”

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.

“I learned in my hometown to respect people, especially people with different backgrounds,” said Hampton. “The Navy is very diverse, so it is important to always treat people the way you want to be treated and respect everyone regardless, of what their background is.”

PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. John L. Canley was named after Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, a United States Marine and a recipient of the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in 1968 during the Battle of Hué City.

John L. Canley is an Expeditionary Sea Base ship that is highly flexible and may be used across a broad range of military operations. Acting as a mobile sea base, these ships are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to provide prepositioned equipment and sustainment with flexible distribution.

“Our Sailors are some of the finest this nation has to offer, each going through a rigorous screening process and a long training and build-up phase before we deliver to the fleet,” said Captain Thomas A. Mays, Commanding Officer of PCU John L. Canley, Blue Crew. “They have each embraced the selfless example of Sgt. Maj. Canley and his ‘Courage Under Fire.’ They’re exactly who we need to ensure the next 40 years of service and mission success.”

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."

As a member of the Navy, Hampton is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy surveys the waters to prevent foreign attacks that would otherwise go unnoticed,” said Hampton.

Hampton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of graduating from both ‘A’ school and boot camp.,” said Hampton. “I was in boot camp for six and a half months because of an injury. I saw many people get discouraged and go home because it was too much for them. However, I felt like I needed to continue in this career path. Some people gave up, but I just couldn't give up, it wasn't a choice.”

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

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than yourself, and that you are willing to be selfless on behalf of this country,” said Hampton.

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

“I would like to thank Petty Officer 1st Class Martin Rusek, he was the one who mostly pushed me in boot camp to keep going and pursue what I wanted to do,” added Hampton. “I also want to thank my mom for supporting me the entire time and pushing me to be the best I can be.”