Fourth-generation sailor serves aboard USS USS George Washington

Courtesy Photo | 150730-N-ZZ999-001 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (July 31, 2015) Four members of the Allison family are displayed with the corresponding U.S. Navy vessels that each served aboard during their naval career to include Operations Specialist Seaman Coshonna Allison, from Detroit, lower-right, serving aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are en route to conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy Photo Illustration by MCSA Shayla D. Hamilton/Released)  

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, PACIFIC OCEAN

07.31.2015

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Shayla D. Hamilton,
USS George Washington Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2015) – Operations Specialist Seaman Coshonna Allison, from Detroit, followed in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather and uncle, becoming the fourth generation Sailor in her family to serve aboard a U.S. Navy vessel.

Allison’s late great-grandfather served aboard decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVL 22), which operated in the Pacific during World War II. Her grandfather, Jack Allison, from Detroit, served on board the Navy’s first boomer, decommissioned fleet ballistic-missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 598) in 1968. Her uncle, Jeff Allison, served as a Machinist’s Mate aboard decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 2000 and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in 2010.

In August 2014, Allison graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. and began “A” school. In December 2014, after her successful completion of Operations Specialist (OS) “A” school, Allison reported aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).

“My predecessors are the reason I decided to join the Navy,” said Coshonna Allison. “At first, I was very resistant and against the whole idea of joining, but my uncle sat me down and talked me into it. Both my uncle and grandfather are excited that I joined. They are reliving their Navy days vicariously through me. A lot of my family has served in the military before me, but I am the first female to enlist. My family holds very high expectations for me throughout my naval career.”

Coshonna’s uncle said he was honored to see her carry out their family’s tradition by raising her right hand and joining the Navy and it makes him proud because he understands where she is and what trials she had to endure to get there.

“I loved being in the Navy,” said Jeff Allison. “There wasn’t a single day of serving that I did not enjoy. I learned a lot about myself, the world and history. My time on board Kitty Hawk and George Washington were the greatest years of my life. I hope Coshonna has the same positive experience.”

Coshonna’s grandfather Jack Allison said he is also very proud that she made the decision to join. He is delighted that she is continuing the legacy, serving as the fourth generation of Allison.

Coshonna will continue her naval career aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

• Date Taken: 07.31.2015
• Date Posted: 08.21.2015 21:35
• Story ID: 171700
• Location: USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, PACIFIC OCEAN