Keepsakes: July 12

Published 8:28 am Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Anndrea Rice in Navy

By Cmdr. Morgan Murphy

Navy Office of Community Outreach

ROTA, Spain – A  Danville High School graduate and Danville, Kentucky native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Porter.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Anndrea Rice is a logistics specialist aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Rota, Spain. USS Porter is one of four destroyers homeported in Rota.

A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for equipment related to parts aboard the ship and paying for them.

“I like that we all work together to serve the mission of the ship and the greater good,” said Rice.

Commissioned in 1999, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter is 509 feet long; the length of more than 3 football fields. The ship is named after Commodore David Porter and his son, Adm. David Dixon Porter.

USS Porter is a tactical multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air submarine surface warfare in conjunction with being outfitted with aegis ballistic missile defense capabilities.   BMD enables the ship to conduct long-range surveillance, tracking, and engagement of short and medium-range ballistic missiles.

“My sailors are the heart and soul of this ship, and I absolutely have the best of the best,” said Cmdr. Andria Slough, Commanding Officer, USS Porter. “They have that adventurous spirit, and they truly want to be here. They’re a phenomenal group and are always willing to tackle any challenge and excel at every mission this ship is assigned. I feel privileged to be the Captain of such a talented and dedicated group of hard working men and women.”

Approximately 30 officers and 300 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry and everything in between.

“The best thing about being here is that we’re all like a big family,” said Rice. “I know that if I need something, we’re here for each other.”

Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a ship, the challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Rice and other USS Porter sailors know they are part of a legacy that will be last beyond their lifetimes.

“Serving in the Navy makes me proud to be serving my country,” said Rice.

Breanna Burkhead Wins State 4-H Competition

LANCASTER — Breanna Burkhead, 14, of Garrard County was named Grand Champion in the 4-H Mock Job Interview Contest 14-15 year old division held Saturday, July 8 at the University of Kentucky. The state competition is a culminating event of county and district contests from across the state.

The district 4-H winners from the entire state competed for the title. The Mock Job Interview Contest is a public speaking contest that gives members an opportunity to practice the real-life skill of applying for a job. The contest involves a set of fictitious job descriptions for senior 4-Her’s that the members can go through the process of applying for. To enter the Mock Job Interview Contest the member must choose one of four job descriptions the member feels qualified for and interested in. Next they develop a resume of their real-life education and experiences that they feel make them a good candidate. Finally they present their resumes to an interview panel and participate in an actual interview where they are judged on all of the key elements in the process.

Breanna is a member of the Garrard County 4-H Teen Council, District 4 Teen Council, 4-H Arts Council and is active in the local 4-H program. She is the daughter of Brian and Paige Burkhead and the granddaughter of J.O. and Judy Burkhead of Garrard County.