Neosho native serves aboard Navy warship in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Wilks, a native of Neosho, Missouri, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Wilks attended Neosho High School and graduated in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Neosho.
“I developed a strong work ethic from my coaches in high school,” said Wilks. “In the Navy, you have to have a strong work ethic to persevere no matter how many times you fail at something, having a strong work ethic will help you succeed and ensure the job gets done. I was terrible when I first joined the Navy but I got better by working harder than other people.”
Wilks joined the Navy five years ago.
Today, Wilks serves as an aviation electronics technician aboard USS Kearsarge.
“I joined the Navy to try something new,” said Wilks. “My father also used to be in the Navy in the early 90s and that inspired me to join as well.”
Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Wilks and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of putting a sailor on my shoulders and carrying him to medical when he passed out,” said Wilks. “That beats any award I can get. I am also proud of being meritoriously advanced to petty officer third class and petty officer second class.”
As Wilks and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” said Wilks. “I feel like I am a part of something larger than myself and it gives me a lot of great memories.”
Wilks is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Melanie and Joe McBryde, and Michael and Sarah Wilks, for being supportive of me throughout my whole time in the Navy,” added Wilks. “I also want to thank my fiancé, Amiya, for being there for me. Lastly, I want to thank Chief Chessor, Chief Lashley, AT1 Mull and AT1 Ivey, for helping me throughout my career and for being some of my biggest inspirations.”