In 1969, songwriter Kurt Kaiser penned a song entitled "Pass It On." The first line of the song states that it only takes a spark to get a fire going. When you meet Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Antonio Deshawn Sparks, you might think those lyrics were written about him.

On a spring day in Pensacola, Florida in 2012, Sparks graduated from Escambia High School, a school known for turning out legends of fire. Deshawn joined alum greats Emmitt Smith, Joseph Durant, Bill Butler and Trent Richardson; earning his legend by is serving his country aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan's (LHD 5) in the machine shop.

After high school, Sparks went off to college to study mechanical engineering but was soon confronted with life's challenges.

"I started going to Pensacola State, and from there started to realize quickly about adulthood," said Sparks. During this time Sparks was still living at home with his parents and learned how important it was to have a means to support himself, leading him to make a life changing decision.

The decision Sparks made was to enlist into the United States Navy in 2013, and since he already knew what he wanted to do, Sparks told his recruiter he would accept no other rate but machinery repairman (MR).

"This was the only thing that corresponded with mechanical engineering," said Sparks. "I knew it would give me the ideas, vocabulary and the blueprints that I needed on how to do certain things when it comes to mechanics."

Fast forward four years, Sparks's love of his job extends beyond mechanical engineering; he also loves how he supports the mission. People from across the ship rely on his shop to manufacture custom parts, and Sparks takes pride delivering a quality product. He explains that putting out quality parts shows what you are about and helps earn respect throughout the entire ship.

"The real bread and butter when it comes to having this job is, is seeing the reaction on someone's face when I've helped them," said Sparks. "When I can manufacture a part that is not only a benefit to one person but ultimately the entire crew, that is what makes me happy."

For as much as Sparks enjoys is his job, it is not without its challenges, the biggest of which is fighting complacency.

"Complacency is one of the first things suspected when it comes to mishaps while working with machinery," said Sparks. "You can be working with a specific piece of equipment for months or even years, and with the experience behind you, it's easy to get comfortable; not using proper personal protective equipment or not handling tools correctly. I have seen a lot of injuries over the last four years, and it is very important to always adhere to all safety requirements while machining."

Sparks added that it is also important to be humble and to do your job to the best of your ability. He shared that senior leadership is always watching whether you realize it or not, which was proven when he unexpectedly received the 2017 Junior Sailor of the Quarter award, for the first quarter 2017.

"I work the same now as MR2 Sparks as I did when I was MRFN Sparks," he added. "My workflow has never decreased, and I am still that go to guy, but it was nice to be recognized."

Reflecting on his experiences, he recalled a time when there were a couple of major repair parts that needed to be manufactured, including a part for another ship, the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). Through that process, he and his team earned a lot of respect from their senior leadership.

As a 2nd class petty officer, Sparks now passes on what he's learned to junior Sailors coming into the Fleet. He ensures they are alert and aware of everything around them. He teaches them to maintain their integrity and develop a strong work ethic.

"No matter how much good you do, it only takes one wrong move to ruin your reputation and credibility," said Sparks. "It is important to remember that you are a Sailor whether you are out to sea, in port, or on liberty."

Also, Sparks said that junior Sailors should work hard both in and outside of their rate. Being an asset to your division will open up vast opportunities for growth and advancement. He added that it is vital to remember all the reasons why you joined the military in the first place and stay motivated.

"My motivation comes from my family," said Sparks. "I give all honor and praise to God first and then to my family. This past April, my son was born. It was a blessing and also added a new layer of determination for me to be the best I can be for him. It pushes me to study a little harder; come a little harder in everything I do."

Sparks closed with saying that whenever his Navy career ends, he plans on picking up right where he left off, finishing his mechanical engineering degree. He said his goal is to eventually join a research and development team for a well-known company such as Chevron or Rolls Royce. At the end of the day, Sparks wants to be able to leave a legacy that he can pass on to his son the way others passed on the drive for success and ambition to him.

Bataan and its ready group are deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit http://www.navy.mil/.