By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason T. Poplin, Mass Communication Specialist
MANAMA, Bahrain - Petty Officer 2nd Class Lakisha Johnson, information systems technician
assigned to Coalition Coordination Center facilitates all official computer and telephone communications for more than 80 representatives of the 24 countries comprising Combined Maritime Forces.
Johnson, a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., is CCC's sole information technology specialist, but still makes time to make herself a well-rounded Sailor by attending college, taking a leadership role in the Naval Support Activity Bahrain area's Junior Enlisted Association and volunteering at various community relations projects in Bahrain.
Johnson reported to the command in mid-January, after spending four years aboard USS Kearsarge, where she distinguished herself by earning Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualifications. At CCC, Johnson maintains more than 300 computers in the department's headquarters building, as well as eight satellite buildings on
Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
"Her ability to address and resolve issues combined with her strong work ethic and military bearing, makes her a role model for junior Sailors and really sets her apart from her peers," Chief Logistics Spc. Romon McCord, CCC's leading chief petty officer. "I think those things are essential for taking on leadership positions."
He noted her strong involvement in local organizations and her associate's degree in general studies, awarded on June 13, from the University of Maryland University College. Johnson was elected vice president of NSA Bahrain's Junior Enlisted Association in mid-April, and has been a driving force in raising $1,500 needed for four doors being donated to Bahrain's Regional Institute for Active Learning, a non-profit school for children with learning disabilities.
CCC handles logistics, administration, and information technology for members of the CMF, and assists countries wishing to join the coalition. CMF's mission is aimed at improving overall security and stability in the maritime areas of more than 2.5 million square miles of international waters to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy and reduce illegal trafficking.
"CCC maintains nine buildings, each with coalition forces, and Johnson addresses any communication issues they have," McCord explained. "What Johnson does benefits the command by providing prompt and professional service to our customers who are representatives of multiple countries, ensuring that when people come in, they have proper IT support and access to
communications."
Interacting with diverse cultures can present unique challenges and rewards, said Johnson. "As long as they are able to communicate with their countries, I feel like I am doing my job right, and that's the pat on the back I need to keep me going."
"Communication is key to solving anything," she added. "I enjoy working with different types of people and it gives me the opportunity to learn about their cultures and history."