SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Fortner, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Pinckney, a Navy destroyer operating out of Naval Base San Diego.
Fortner graduated from Nansemond River High School in 2020.
“A lesson I learned from my hometown is the importance of hard work,” Fortner said. “My family instilled in me to always try my best at everything I do, because you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I always keep their words in mind, which has helped me further my career in the Navy.”
Fortner joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy to continue my family’s long history of serving in the military,” Fortner said. “My mom served in the Marine Corps, my dad served in the Navy, and my grandparents served in the Army. I decided to join the Navy because it gave me the best opportunity to travel.”
Today, Fortner serves as a cryptologic technician (technical).
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a Phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Pinckney. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Fortner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is seeing my junior sailors become technical experts under my leadership,” Fortner said.
Fortner serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to pay my way forward,” Fortner said. “Growing up, I saw the sacrifices my family made while in military service and what their service provided for me. Being able to lead the next generation of sailors gives me a chance to do my part in giving back even if it is indirect ”
Fortner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mentors,” Fortner added. “I would like to thank Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Billups for teaching me the technical part of our job, which helped me be a great technician, and thank you to Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Feinberg for teaching me the tactical aspect of our job that has made me a good cryptologic technician (technical).”
Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Diamond Kyles, Navy Office of Community Outreach