An Astoria, Ore., native and 2006 graduate of Astoria High School is part of a proud group of Sailors and Marines aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kari D. Wilson, who joined the Navy Dec. 14, 2011, is an electronics technician and was promoted to the position of work center supervisor April 2015.

"My work center basically works on combat systems, and I primarily work on search radars," said Wilson. "I'm responsible for my equipment and for making sure the three other techs in my work center are taken care of."

Chief Electronics Technician Larry Scott, the divisional leading chief petty officer, says Wilson has been picking up the job of work center supervisor quickly and making use of her ability to work as a team.

"She has a strong work ethic and is always eager to learn," said Scott. "She's learning her role as work center supervisor, and her biggest strength in that is teamwork. Wilson can work well with just about anybody."

According to Wilson, the Navy has not only given her opportunities to grow as a Sailor and a leader but has made a considerable contribution to her growth as a person.

"The best part of being in the Navy has been finding my true potential," said Wilson. "Before I joined, nothing would push me the way I push myself here. Before the Navy, the most I'd done with electronics was screw in a light bulb. I never thought I could do the things I do in my job. It makes me believe in myself a lot more."

Rushmore is currently on a regularly-scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which consists of Rushmore, USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The Essex ARG/MEU is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/.