Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffani Harris, a native of Mentor, Ohio, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.

Harris, a 2015 graduate of Mentor High School, joined the Navy four years ago.

“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities, to travel and to make new friends,” said Harris . "In the Navy, I have traveled to 13 different countries and had the opportunity to meet and work with people from different backgrounds and cultures."

Serving in the Navy means Harris is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The U.S. Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of our borders,” said Harris.  “We are here to protect our coasts and the ideals of freedom and democracy.”

Harris and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m proud of a couple of accomplishments,” said Harris.  “Professionally, I’m proud of being advanced to petty officer second class because of how challenging it is and the advancement percentages are so low. Personally, I’m proud of my Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.  I received that for rendering lifesaving aid to a civilian who had fallen and hit her head.”

As Harris 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 is a very humbling and rewarding experience,” said Harris. “I do this for my family, friends and for everyone who would love to join the military but doesn’t have the opportunity to do so.”