The crew of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) houses a diverse group of people, consisting of ship's company, Sailors and Marines embarked only for the duration of the deployment.

An integral component of amphibious operations is the landing crafts and the crew which staff them; who shuttle personnel between the shore and the well deck of Bataan.

One such embarked crewmember is Engineman 3rd Class Davinia Kelly, a native of Greenwood, South Carolina, currently assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2. Kelly is responsible for the upkeep and repair of all engine systems aboard the landing craft utility (LCU).

She joined the Navy in November of 2014 when she was 18, hoping to provide for her now six-year-old daughter. She met her husband shortly following high school. They decided to join the Navy, and coincidentally, both became Engineman and even attended 'A'-school together.

"Where I'm from, it's so small that there aren't many opportunities," said Kelly. "I had a daughter and I just wanted to offer a better life for my family."

For a short time after 'A'-school, her husband was stationed in San Diego, before co-locating to Norfolk to be with Kelly and their daughter.

Like many Sailors and Marines aboard Bataan, Kelly is on her first deployment, which doubles as her first time outside the United States.

"Some people were kind of underwhelmed with Valencia, Spain when we made our port visit," said Kelly. "For me, though, it was like going from South Carolina to Spain was amazing!"

Life aboard a ship can be stressful, but Kelly says she is making the most of it because she enjoys what she does.

"My job on the LCU is very hands-on," said Kelly. "When it comes to my rate, myself and three other engineers are in charge of repairs and upkeep so we stay busy. With only twelve people on the craft, though, I always lend a hand with work topside like handling lines and cleaning the deck."

On top of the stresses of being on a deployed warship, Kelly is also dealing with being separated from her daughter for the first time.

"It's hard sometimes, being so far away," said Kelly. "At the end of the day, though, it's just a good feeling to know I'll be able to take care of my family."

Similarly, Kelly says keeping a good attitude is crucial to passing the time on board.

"We're only one month in so far, so it might be too early to tell, but I'm enjoying my time so far," said Kelly. "If I wasn't deployed, I wouldn't be able to get my warfare pins, I wouldn't be saving money like I am and I wouldn't be able to see the world; so I'm glad I'm out here."

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