Chattanooga Native Serves Aboard USS Essex

Seaman River Wheeler
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christina Himes

Seaman River Wheeler, a native of Chattanooga, turns a mooring line spool aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. 

"With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy," officials said.