Latest news with #USSCarlVinson
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Photo Captures US Aircraft Carrier Deployed Near Iran
A new satellite image shows a U.S. Carrier Strike Group including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier deployed off the south coast of Oman after the U.S. military withdrew another aircraft carrier against a backdrop of tentative hopes for easing tensions in the region. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Department of Defense for comment. The presence of the Carrier Strike Group demonstrates the continuing active U.S. naval presence in the region and preparedness for further conflict despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and hopes for a resumption of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S.. The Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the CENTCOM's area of responsibility, where the U.S. military has conducted operations against Yemen's Houthi group and various U.S. forces have been deployed during Israel's war with Iran and U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites last month. Publicly available satellite images taken on Sunday show the Carrier Strike Group off the south coast of Oman. The USS Nimitz, which last month was in the South China Sea, and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carriers have been operating in the Arabian Sea but the USS Carl Vinson left the Middle East on Friday, USNI news, the online news portal of the independent U.S. Naval Institute, reported on Monday. The satellite images from Sunday confirmed that the USS Nimitz and three Arleigh Burke destroyers were operating in the Carrier Strike Group off Oman, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. "This activity comes as regional maritime security remains a key focus, especially after recent incidents in the Southern Red Sea," Anderson said in his post. Tension over Iran's nuclear program has eased since Israel's 12-day bombing campaign and U.S. strikes on three nuclear facilities last month. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said recently his country was open to dialogue and was seriously pursuing diplomacy. President Donald Trump said last week Iran wanted to negotiate but no date has been set for talks. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said in a statement: "We still believe that the window for diplomacy is open, and we are pursuing this peaceful path with determination and by mobilizing all political capacities." President Donald Trump said during a White House dinner with Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu last week: "They want to meet. They want to work something out. They're very different now than they were two weeks ago." Iran's president has opened the door again to possible diplomacy, but Iran has also emphasized its plans to continue its nuclear program while dismissing accusations that it plans to build nuclear weapons. The prospect of renewed confrontation remains high. Attacks on shipping by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen are another potential source of regional conflict. Related Articles US and Allies Train Forces for Pacific War With ChinaVA Announces Expansion of BenefitsUS Sends Advanced F-15 Jets To Frontline Air Base Near ChinaNorth Korea Warns US Over Strategic Bombers Near Airspace 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Photo Captures US Aircraft Carrier Deployed Near Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image shows a U.S. Carrier Strike Group including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier deployed off the south coast of Oman after the U.S. military withdrew another aircraft carrier against a backdrop of tentative hopes for easing tensions in the region. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Department of Defense for comment. This image captured by a European Space Agency satellite on July 13 shows the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier off the south coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. military has conducted operations against... This image captured by a European Space Agency satellite on July 13 shows the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier off the south coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. military has conducted operations against Yemen's Houthi group and various U.S. forces have been deployed in the area during Israel's war with Iran and U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites last month. More Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Why It Matters The presence of the Carrier Strike Group demonstrates the continuing active U.S. naval presence in the region and preparedness for further conflict despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and hopes for a resumption of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S.. The Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the CENTCOM's area of responsibility, where the U.S. military has conducted operations against Yemen's Houthi group and various U.S. forces have been deployed during Israel's war with Iran and U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites last month. What To Know Publicly available satellite images taken on Sunday show the Carrier Strike Group off the south coast of Oman. The USS Nimitz, which last month was in the South China Sea, and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carriers have been operating in the Arabian Sea but the USS Carl Vinson left the Middle East on Friday, USNI news, the online news portal of the independent U.S. Naval Institute, reported on Monday. The satellite images from Sunday confirmed that the USS Nimitz and three Arleigh Burke destroyers were operating in the Carrier Strike Group off Oman, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X. "This activity comes as regional maritime security remains a key focus, especially after recent incidents in the Southern Red Sea," Anderson said in his post. Tension over Iran's nuclear program has eased since Israel's 12-day bombing campaign and U.S. strikes on three nuclear facilities last month. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said recently his country was open to dialogue and was seriously pursuing diplomacy. President Donald Trump said last week Iran wanted to negotiate but no date has been set for talks. What People Are Saying President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said in a statement: "We still believe that the window for diplomacy is open, and we are pursuing this peaceful path with determination and by mobilizing all political capacities." President Donald Trump said during a White House dinner with Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu last week: "They want to meet. They want to work something out. They're very different now than they were two weeks ago." What Happens Next Iran's president has opened the door again to possible diplomacy, but Iran has also emphasized its plans to continue its nuclear program while dismissing accusations that it plans to build nuclear weapons. The prospect of renewed confrontation remains high. Attacks on shipping by Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen are another potential source of regional conflict.
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
US Allies in Europe Project Aircraft Carrier Power Near China
European NATO members have projected naval power into the Indo-Pacific through aircraft carrier deployments in recent years, as China—a European Union trading partner and U.S. rival—undergoes a military buildup, challenging Washington and its allies. Experts told Newsweek that by sending their largest and most capable warships, European countries—the United Kingdom, France and Italy—can assist the U.S. in keeping China in check while maintaining a naval presence at home, thereby contributing to Europe's security. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek on Tuesday, "The growing military deployment by countries from outside the region is detrimental to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific." China has built the world's largest navy by hull count—surpassing the U.S. Navy—with more than 370 ships and submarines. In June, the Chinese military—for the first time ever—deployed two aircraft carriers to the broader western Pacific simultaneously, flexing its naval power. The expansion of China's naval presence comes as the U.S. is preoccupied with tensions in the Middle East, prompting the repositioning of a pair of aircraft carriers—USS Carl Vinson and USS Nimitz—earlier this year and leaving a naval power gap in the western Pacific. Meanwhile, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is conducting an eight-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific. As of earlier this month, the Royal Navy warship—carrying stealth fighter jets—was en route to Australia for an exercise before continuing on to Japan. According to Krzysztof Sliwinski, an associate professor in the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, nine NATO nations established the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative in 2008, seeking to maintain a continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific through sequential deployments of aircraft carriers. In addition to the ongoing deployment of the Prince of Wales, the U.K. sent HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 for a seven-month mission that brought the aircraft carrier and its strike group—including a destroyer and fighter jets deployed by the U.S.—to the Indo-Pacific. In April, the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle concluded a five-month Indo-Pacific mission. During its deployment, it linked up with aircraft carriers from the U.S. and Japanese navies in the broader western Pacific east of the Philippines. ITS Cavour, an Italian aircraft carrier, also led a strike group last year for a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific—a region outside the Italian navy's traditional area of responsibility. Sidharth Kaushal, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., told Newsweek that the role of European aircraft carrier deployments is more diplomatic and strategic than strictly military—signaling, among other things, national commitments to engaging with regional partners and to principles such as freedom of navigation. Naval presence operations are designed to shape the perceptions and behavior of potential adversaries, said Emma Salisbury, a researcher at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., by helping to deter aggression and demonstrate resolve without resorting to conflict. The presence of the British aircraft carrier group in the Indo-Pacific "reflects not only a projection of military power and operational reach but also a commitment to international partnerships, regional stability, and the rules-based international order," Salisbury said. Trade is another factor behind British and Italian naval deployments, Sliwinski said. A significant portion of British trade with Asia depends on maritime routes that pass through Indo-Pacific choke points, while Italy—an advocate for a stable global order—also benefits from trade in the region, as its export-driven economy relies heavily on open sea lanes. With Pacific territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia, France seeks to safeguard its maritime interests and mitigate what Sliwinski described as the "negative impacts" of China's growing economic, political and military presence in the region. China's growing naval activities come as the East Asian power and its neighbors remain involved in territorial disputes over contested waters—including the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea—which frequently lead to standoffs and clashes. Citing tensions across the Indo-Pacific—Washington's priority theater—U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously warned that China was increasingly willing to resort to force and called for enhanced joint defense cooperation to deter Chinese aggression. Aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific show European countries taking on a "shared strategic responsibility," Sliwinski said, which enables the U.S. to allocate its resources on other vital areas while European naval forces help ensure regional stability. The deployment of multiple allied aircraft carriers amplifies deterrence against potential Chinese hostilities, he said. "A collective display of naval strength complicates China's ability to act aggressively, as it would encounter a unified response from various countries." "Exercises conducted during these deployments provide the practical experience and shared procedures necessary to improve joint operational effectiveness," Salisbury said, which ensures that allied forces are better prepared to respond to security challenges. However, Kaushal said European aircraft carriers played a largely "supporting role" in the western Pacific, as they had limited direct combat utility in the region—where they lacked the munitions and local logistics needed to operate near China, which he described as having "the world's most sophisticated anti-access/area denial bubble." According to the Pentagon, anti-access prevents an advancing enemy force from entering an operational area, while area denial restricts an enemy's freedom of action within that area. While Europe projects its naval power well beyond its region, the Trump administration is calling on NATO allies to take greater responsibility for European security as Washington refocuses its attention toward the Indo-Pacific, signaling a potential retreat from Europe. Given the pressing and ongoing need to deter and monitor Russia's navy, it would be understandable to assume that aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific might be deprioritized, Salisbury said. However, the U.K.'s continued commitment to such missions underscores the importance it places on its role in supporting global security. "Since carrier deployments to the Pacific are a diplomatic instrument rather than the markers of a military commitment, they do not necessarily commit resources which would be needed in a European contingency to being employed against [China] in Asia," Kaushal said. Sliwinski said the U.K., France and Italy had allocated naval assets to Europe while also focusing on the Indo-Pacific—including addressing threats in the North Sea and the Mediterranean and supporting NATO's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China's Embassy in Washington, D.C., said: "Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and zero-sum thinking are out of touch with the times and lead nowhere. … China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests and will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability through concrete actions." Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow for sea power at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., said: "These deployments entail costs both financially and in terms of vessel and crew readiness, and their utility will have to be weighed against these costs as Europe takes on a greater share of its own defensive burdens." Emma Salisbury, a sea power research fellow at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., said: "The deployment of British and European allied carrier strike groups to the Indo-Pacific, rather than limiting engagement to smaller-scale missions, represents a deliberate and symbolically significant strategic choice." Krzysztof Sliwinski, an associate professor in the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, said: "European carriers play a crucial role in maintaining open access to international waters, particularly in disputed regions such as the South China Sea. This effort challenges China's broad maritime claims and supports essential global trade routes that are important to both the U.S. and Europe." It remains to be seen which European aircraft carrier will be dispatched next for an Indo-Pacific mission following the conclusion of the Prince of Wales' deployment. Related Articles New US Aircraft Carrier Hit by Significant DelaysChina Sends Military on Combat Patrol Against US Ally: VideoUS Allies Plan To Flex Aircraft Carrier Muscles Near ChinaPhotos Show US Navy's Double Aircraft Carrier Operations in Atlantic 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
US Allies in Europe Project Aircraft Carrier Power Near China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. European NATO members have projected naval power into the Indo-Pacific through aircraft carrier deployments in recent years, as China—a European Union trading partner and U.S. rival—undergoes a military buildup, challenging Washington and its allies. Experts told Newsweek that by sending their largest and most capable warships, European countries—the United Kingdom, France and Italy—can assist the U.S. in keeping China in check while maintaining a naval presence at home, thereby contributing to Europe's security. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek on Tuesday, "The growing military deployment by countries from outside the region is detrimental to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific." Why It Matters China has built the world's largest navy by hull count—surpassing the U.S. Navy—with more than 370 ships and submarines. In June, the Chinese military—for the first time ever—deployed two aircraft carriers to the broader western Pacific simultaneously, flexing its naval power. The expansion of China's naval presence comes as the U.S. is preoccupied with tensions in the Middle East, prompting the repositioning of a pair of aircraft carriers—USS Carl Vinson and USS Nimitz—earlier this year and leaving a naval power gap in the western Pacific. Meanwhile, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is conducting an eight-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific. As of earlier this month, the Royal Navy warship—carrying stealth fighter jets—was en route to Australia for an exercise before continuing on to Japan. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on June 24. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on June 24. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images European Naval Initiative According to Krzysztof Sliwinski, an associate professor in the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, nine NATO nations established the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative in 2008, seeking to maintain a continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific through sequential deployments of aircraft carriers. In addition to the ongoing deployment of the Prince of Wales, the U.K. sent HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 for a seven-month mission that brought the aircraft carrier and its strike group—including a destroyer and fighter jets deployed by the U.S.—to the Indo-Pacific. In April, the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle concluded a five-month Indo-Pacific mission. During its deployment, it linked up with aircraft carriers from the U.S. and Japanese navies in the broader western Pacific east of the Philippines. ITS Cavour, an Italian aircraft carrier, also led a strike group last year for a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific—a region outside the Italian navy's traditional area of responsibility. In this photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on February 13, United States aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, front; Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga, middle; and French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle... In this photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on February 13, United States aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, front; Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga, middle; and French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle sail in formation in the Philippine Sea during Exercise Pacific Steller. More Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rationales for Deployments Sidharth Kaushal, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., told Newsweek that the role of European aircraft carrier deployments is more diplomatic and strategic than strictly military—signaling, among other things, national commitments to engaging with regional partners and to principles such as freedom of navigation. Naval presence operations are designed to shape the perceptions and behavior of potential adversaries, said Emma Salisbury, a researcher at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., by helping to deter aggression and demonstrate resolve without resorting to conflict. The presence of the British aircraft carrier group in the Indo-Pacific "reflects not only a projection of military power and operational reach but also a commitment to international partnerships, regional stability, and the rules-based international order," Salisbury said. Trade is another factor behind British and Italian naval deployments, Sliwinski said. A significant portion of British trade with Asia depends on maritime routes that pass through Indo-Pacific choke points, while Italy—an advocate for a stable global order—also benefits from trade in the region, as its export-driven economy relies heavily on open sea lanes. The Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour arriving at Naval Base Guam for a logistic stop on August 11, 2024, before proceeding to Japan. The Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour arriving at Naval Base Guam for a logistic stop on August 11, 2024, before proceeding to Japan. U.S. Navy With Pacific territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia, France seeks to safeguard its maritime interests and mitigate what Sliwinski described as the "negative impacts" of China's growing economic, political and military presence in the region. Confronting China's Threat China's growing naval activities come as the East Asian power and its neighbors remain involved in territorial disputes over contested waters—including the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea—which frequently lead to standoffs and clashes. Citing tensions across the Indo-Pacific—Washington's priority theater—U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously warned that China was increasingly willing to resort to force and called for enhanced joint defense cooperation to deter Chinese aggression. Aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific show European countries taking on a "shared strategic responsibility," Sliwinski said, which enables the U.S. to allocate its resources on other vital areas while European naval forces help ensure regional stability. The deployment of multiple allied aircraft carriers amplifies deterrence against potential Chinese hostilities, he said. "A collective display of naval strength complicates China's ability to act aggressively, as it would encounter a unified response from various countries." "Exercises conducted during these deployments provide the practical experience and shared procedures necessary to improve joint operational effectiveness," Salisbury said, which ensures that allied forces are better prepared to respond to security challenges. This photo released by the Xinhua News Agency shows Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, right, and CNS Shandong carrying out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea... This photo released by the Xinhua News Agency shows Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, right, and CNS Shandong carrying out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea in October 2024. More Chen Mengxi/Xinhua via AP However, Kaushal said European aircraft carriers played a largely "supporting role" in the western Pacific, as they had limited direct combat utility in the region—where they lacked the munitions and local logistics needed to operate near China, which he described as having "the world's most sophisticated anti-access/area denial bubble." According to the Pentagon, anti-access prevents an advancing enemy force from entering an operational area, while area denial restricts an enemy's freedom of action within that area. Balancing Commitments While Europe projects its naval power well beyond its region, the Trump administration is calling on NATO allies to take greater responsibility for European security as Washington refocuses its attention toward the Indo-Pacific, signaling a potential retreat from Europe. Given the pressing and ongoing need to deter and monitor Russia's navy, it would be understandable to assume that aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific might be deprioritized, Salisbury said. However, the U.K.'s continued commitment to such missions underscores the importance it places on its role in supporting global security. "Since carrier deployments to the Pacific are a diplomatic instrument rather than the markers of a military commitment, they do not necessarily commit resources which would be needed in a European contingency to being employed against [China] in Asia," Kaushal said. Sliwinski said the U.K., France and Italy had allocated naval assets to Europe while also focusing on the Indo-Pacific—including addressing threats in the North Sea and the Mediterranean and supporting NATO's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe. This photo provided by the Royal Navy on July 8 shows the British frigate HMS Iron Duke, front, monitoring a Russian warship, back, in the English Channel. This photo provided by the Royal Navy on July 8 shows the British frigate HMS Iron Duke, front, monitoring a Russian warship, back, in the English Channel. Royal Navy What People Are Saying Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China's Embassy in Washington, D.C., said: "Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and zero-sum thinking are out of touch with the times and lead nowhere. … China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests and will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability through concrete actions." Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow for sea power at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., said: "These deployments entail costs both financially and in terms of vessel and crew readiness, and their utility will have to be weighed against these costs as Europe takes on a greater share of its own defensive burdens." Emma Salisbury, a sea power research fellow at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., said: "The deployment of British and European allied carrier strike groups to the Indo-Pacific, rather than limiting engagement to smaller-scale missions, represents a deliberate and symbolically significant strategic choice." Krzysztof Sliwinski, an associate professor in the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, said: "European carriers play a crucial role in maintaining open access to international waters, particularly in disputed regions such as the South China Sea. This effort challenges China's broad maritime claims and supports essential global trade routes that are important to both the U.S. and Europe." What Happens Next It remains to be seen which European aircraft carrier will be dispatched next for an Indo-Pacific mission following the conclusion of the Prince of Wales' deployment.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Navy Dentist Details Life at Sea, from Tooth Emergencies to Rarely Seeing the Sun (Exclusive)
Growing up, Kelsey Smith developed a passion for science and a strong desire to help others From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a dentist. After high school, she attended Gonzaga University, where she discovered a unique opportunity: a U.S. Navy scholarship that covers dental school tuition and provides a living stipend After being accepted into the program, she served as a Navy dentist aboard an aircraft carrier for two yearsLiving on an aircraft carrier was like a never-ending sleepover with her best friends — just a little louder. At least, that's how Kelsey Smith describes her life as a U.S. Navy officer and dentist aboard the USS Carl Vinson. For two years, Smith left her Washington State roots and university life behind for the tight quarters and constant motion of life at sea. 'I shared a bathroom with other women and bunk beds with my best friend. It was kind of like college, but with jet engines overhead,' she tells PEOPLE exclusively over Zoom. Smith's journey to the high seas began with a simple dream: to become a dentist. Growing up in Washington, she developed a passion for science and a desire to help others. After high school, she attended Gonzaga University, where she discovered a unique opportunity: a U.S. Navy scholarship that covers dental school tuition and provides a living stipend. If accepted, graduates join the Navy as commissioned officers and commit to serving at least two years on active duty, or one year of service for every year of scholarship support. While in undergrad, Smith applied to the program, was accepted and enrolled at the University of Washington's dental school in Seattle. After finishing dental school, Smith attended Officer Development School, where she was sworn into active duty as an officer and learned all about the Navy. She was then stationed in San Diego to complete a one-year residency in general dentistry. Following that, Smith, 26 at the time, was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson — a massive aircraft carrier that doubles as a floating city. The flight deck — where aircraft take off — is about 4.5 acres, and when the ship is full, there are about 5,000 people on board. 'What was going through my mind is, I'm going to get lost because it's just a metal box —everything looks the same,' she says, recalling her first time on the ship. 'The hallways, everything's metal, and you can't see outside or windows. So it's like you don't know what's left and right. It is a maze.' "But it is pretty crazy," she adds. "Every day I would go — if we weren't out at sea — just thinking, 'This is my office.' You're parking your car and walking up, and you're like, 'Whoa, this is big.' ' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. At first, the ship was docked in Coronado, Calif., so Smith could live at home and commute to work. But after a while, the USS Carl Vinson began heading out for 'underways,' which she describes as training missions lasting from a week to a month, designed to keep the crew and ship ready for deployment. Not long after, the ship deployed into the waters. While at sea, Smith's days followed a steady rhythm. She'd wake up at 6:30 a.m. in her bunk, get dressed in her uniform, put her hair up and head upstairs to breakfast, where the food was already prepared. The best part? She didn't have to do the dishes. From there, she'd walk down a narrow hallway known as the P-Way, or passageway, to the dental offices. Each morning began with a team meeting to make sure everyone was aligned for the day ahead. 'We'd start at 7:30 a.m. or 8 a.m. and see patients for a full eight hours,' Smith says. 'Sometimes, probably a few times a week, we'd have night clinic from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. because those are the hours when people are just waking up for their shifts. The ship runs 24/7, so there are night workers who need dental care. So we'd keep the clinic open at night. And when we were out at sea, we worked six days a week, including Saturdays.' "Every day, even when I wasn't working, I'd walk by my patients and they'd say, 'Oh, hi.' They'd talk about their tooth or something," she adds. "I really don't remember faces. I just remember teeth.' Aside from work, some of Smith's most memorable moments came during port calls and traveling to places she'd never been to before, including South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore, to name a few. While at sea, she also ran her first 5K race on the ship, fired a .50 caliber gun off the back, hosted a college basketball game — where she got to see Gonzaga, her alma mater, play Michigan State — and helped with burials at sea. Another highlight was celebrating holidays on board the ship, including a 'crossing the equator' ceremony held on Christmas Day that began before sunrise. 'We crossed the equator, and we do a ceremony — that's where it's called you become a Shellback,' she explains. 'Before that, you're a 'Pollywog,' and then when you cross the equator, they do this ceremony where you become a Shellback." "You kind of have to go through this whole process … they slime you and make you do silly things,' she adds. "There's King Neptune, they have him over the loudspeaker, and they're dressed up. There was Neptune's throne and everyone is dressed up, and you have to go through this whole course. Then you get to the end — and you're a Shellback. That was really fun to do.' But despite all the fun moments, life at sea came with logistical curveballs and challenges. For two years, Smith, now 30, navigated living away from her family — including her boyfriend, now husband— for extended periods. Although there was WiFi on the ship, it wasn't always reliable. Smith also lived below deck, so she'd only go outside about once a month. Despite there being little peepholes where you could see the sun below deck, they were still covered, so it wasn't the same as stepping outside. 'I would kind of go see where I worked out — in an area where you could see outside, but you're not getting sun on you," she says. "You can see the ocean. That makes sense because they're doing a lot of drills flying jets and maintenance on the top. You can't actually go to the flight deck unless they allow you or call all hands.' For Smith, another hurdle was dealing with unpredictable supply logistics. While she and the other dentists onboard didn't perform major surgeries, their scope of care was broad, so having a wide range of supplies for exams, fillings and crowns was necessary. But often, they'd run out of things. 'You order it, and maybe you're not going to get it,' Smith says, recalling supply issues. 'The stuff goes to where you say you're going to go. The ship's like, 'Yeah, we're going to South Korea,' and your ship's heading there but then decides to change course. So now your stuff's in a completely different country.' "But I never felt like it completely limited our abilities," she adds. "I like to say that dentistry is very ... you can make things work.' After completing her two-year deployment last October, Smith was stationed in Naples, Italy, where she will serve as a Navy dentist for the next three years. This is her final duty station for her commitment, after which she'll decide whether to continue in the Navy or pursue dentistry elsewhere. Since arriving in Italy, Smith has been sharing her experiences online, posting videos about life as a Navy dentist. She wanted to shine a light on the scholarship program and Navy dental careers — topics she says many people know little about. What started as a way to inform quickly went viral: one video alone has garnered more than 7 million views and nearly 5,000 comments. "This is so interesting! My daughter LOVES the military and also wants to be a dentist so I'm going to show her your TikToks!! 🤍" one mom writes. Another viewer adds, "It's cool that you can go into the military to be a dentist." Someone else notes, "This video and others like it are a great way to give this kind of career more exposure." Smith says, "I had a mix of people who didn't even know that was a job on an aircraft carrier, to folks in the Navy saying, 'Oh, that's an officer life,' or sharing their own thoughts. It was pretty intense how much it caught on. But now, I'm motivated more than ever to keep sharing my Navy career journey.' 'I just want to inspire people and give them information, because most don't have it,' the dentist adds. Looking ahead, Smith is ready for whatever comes next — whether that means more time in uniform or a new chapter beyond the Navy. One thing is clear: she's learned to meet every challenge, from navigating the complexities of life at sea to navigating the unexpected spotlight of viral videos, with resilience and a smile. 'The best part,' she reflects, 'was that while my friends were anxious about interviews and next steps, I already knew where I was headed for the next four or five years — the Navy. That security was invaluable. Now, it's time to put on my big girl pants and figure out what's next.' Read the original article on People
