See You on the Beach

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Evan Thompson | 170330-N-AV754-024 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 24, 2017) Engineman 3rd Class Divinia Kelly, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 2 poses for a portrait in the engine room of Landing Craft (Utility) 1659, March 24, 2017. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Evan Thompson/Released)  

AT SEA

04.14.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Evan Thompson  

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

One such embarked crewmember is Engineman 3rd Class Davinia Kelly, a native of Greenwood, South Carolina, currently assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2. Kelly is responsible for the upkeep and repair of all engine systems aboard the Landing Craft Utility (LCU).
She joined the Navy in November of 2014, when she was 18, hoping to provide for her now six-year-old daughter. She met her husband shortly following high school. They decided to join the Navy, and coincidentally, both became Engineman and even attended ‘A’-school together.
“Where I’m from, it’s so small that there aren’t many opportunities,” said Kelly. “I had a daughter and I just wanted to offer a better life for my family.”
For a short time after ‘A’-school, her husband was stationed in San Diego, before co-locating to Norfolk to be with Kelly and their daughter.
Like many Sailors and Marines aboard Bataan, Kelly is on her first deployment, which doubles as her first time outside the United States.
“Some people were kind of underwhelmed with Valencia, Spain when we made our port visit,” said Kelly. “For me, though, it was like going from South Carolina to Spain was amazing!”
Life aboard a ship can be stressful, but Kelly says she is making the most of it because she enjoys what she does.
“My job on the LCU is very hands-on,” said Kelly. “When it comes to my rate, myself and three other engineers are in charge of repairs and upkeep so we stay busy. With only twelve people on the craft, though, I always lend a hand with work topside like handling lines and cleaning the deck.”
On top of the stresses of being on a deployed warship, Kelly is also dealing with being separated from her daughter for the first time.
“It’s hard sometimes, being so far away,” said Kelly “At the end of the day, though, it’s just a good feeling to know I’ll be able to take care of my family.”
Similarly, Kelly says keeping a good attitude is crucial to passing the time on board.
“We’re only one month in so far, so it might be too early to tell, but I’m enjoying my time so far,” said Kelly. “If I wasn’t deployed, I wouldn’t be able to get my warfare pins, I wouldn’t be saving money like I am and I wouldn’t be able to see the world, so I’m glad I’m out here.”

• Date Taken: 04.14.2017
• Date Posted: 04.14.2017 08:19
• Story ID: 230362
• Location: AT SEA
• Hometown: GREENWOOD, SC, US