Resident of Lee’s Summit, Mo., builds morale in US Navy

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Chelsea Mandello | Ship's Serviceman Seaman Emmanuel Urumeke puts uniforms into a washer for cleaning aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tortuga, commanded by Cmdr. John Barnett, is part of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group.  

PACIFIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

08.28.2012

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Chelsea Mandello 

Amphibious Squadron 11

By Mass Communication Seaman Chelsea Mandello
Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN – Ship's Serviceman Seaman Emmanuel Urumeke, son of Joseph and Peace Urumeke of Lee’s Summit, Mo., is currently serving aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) during a scheduled deployment.

Ship’s servicemen manage and operate ship stores and take care of laundry and supply items for sailors aboard. Urumeke’s main occupation aboard the ship is to maintain the crew’s laundry in addition to other ship services.

“I make sure laundry gets done, but I also make sure the ship store has what it needs,” said Urumeke. “I mostly take care of the crew’s laundry, which is an all day job. Departments bring loads upon loads and that doesn’t include all of the officer’s uniforms and Marines laundry.”

The ship has a self-service laundromat, but during times in which water aboard needs to be reserved only the ships laundry stays open. It can be very slow during port visits, but the ships wash stays overly busy during long days at sea.

“I think my job is very important because everyone needs clean clothes and supplies,” said Urumeke. “Honestly it builds moral. If for one week I wasn’t here to do laundry or supply the ships store then everyone aboard would be unhappy.”

The United States Navy provides sailors with the opportunity to travel in addition to receiving an education. The Navy respects its sailors and strives to maintain morale.

Urumeke graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in Lee’s Summit, Mo., in 2004.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel the world,” said Urumeke. “I wanted to see different things and experience new countries and the Navy has given me that. If you like to travel and don’t mind a little work then you should join the Navy. The Navy has given me money for an education and a little opportunity for life.”

Tortuga is part of the only forward-deployed Amphibious Ready Group and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Operations.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2012
• Date Posted: 08.28.2012 08:29
• Story ID: 93906
• Location: PACIFIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA