Seaman Lee Jackson, a native of West Palm Beach, and a graduate of Warwick High School in Newport News, Va., is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Somerset (LPD 25), one of the world’s most modern, networked, survivable and transformational warships.
The USS Somerset is named in commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The name honors the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 whose actions prevented terrorist hijackers from reaching their intended target, forcing the airplane to crash near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa.
The San Diego-based USS Somerset is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, protecting and defending America on the world’s oceans.
Tens of thousands of young American men and women are deployed around the world around the clock, defending America. Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. These ships support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions and can serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious-ready groups. Approximately 28 officers, 333 enlisted men and women and three Marines make up the ship’s company, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly.
“A ship is but a steel vessel; it is the crew that brings a ship to life,” said Capt. Thomas L. Dearborn, the ship’s commanding officer. “USS Somerset is truly a fine warship, and this crew that mans her is second to none. The Sailors and Marines have been working diligently to prepare this war ship. Through our service in the United States Navy, we will strive to honor those who have sacrificed so much to preserve the freedoms we cherish today.”
ABOVE: Seaman Lee Jackson
