Jasper native keeping seas free in the Middle East
Manama, Bahrain — Jasper native Cameron Light is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the mine countermeasure ship USS Sentry.
Light graduated from The Science Academy of South Texas in 2012 and is serving as a Navy Engineman on board the ship. He lives at the Naval base in Manama, Bahrain. Bahrain is a small island country situated near the western shores of the Arabian Gulf.
A Navy engineman is responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship’s diesel engines.
“I get a sense of accomplishment when I am doing this job,” said Light.
The Sentry is 224 feet long, 39 feet wide and displaces 1,312 tons of water. It is powered by four diesel engines and can reach speeds of more than 16 mph.
The Sentry was commissioned in 1993 and is the first Navy ship to bear this name. It is one of the Navy’s 11 Avenger class mine countermeasures ships that are designed to remove mines from vital waterways and harbors.
“I like the camaraderie that comes with a small crew,” said Light.
With approximately eight officers and 80 enlisted comprising the ship’s company, jobs are highly varied which keeps the ship mission ready — this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the propulsion system.
As a member of the crew, Light and other Sentry sailors know they are part of a forward deployed naval forces team that is heavily relied upon to help protect and defend America on the world’s oceans.
In addition to Sentry, another Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship is forward deployed in Bahrain along with seven Cyclone-class coastal patrol ships.
The world is increasingly complex and crewmembers aboard the Sentry, as well as the other forward-deployed naval vessels in Bahrain, assist with assuring international sea lines between the Middle East and Europe remain open and help protect against possible maritime threats.
As a Sailor with numerous responsibilities, deployed halfway around the world away from friends and family back home, Light said he is learning about himself as a leader, Sailor and a person.
“I have more respect for myself now since joining the Navy,” said Light.
By Chief Mass Communications Specialist Chris Laurent, Navy Office of Community Outreach
