PHILIPPINE SEA – Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Latrice Walker, a Las Vegas native, is currently serving aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) while on deployment in the Western Pacific.

As a culinary specialist, Walker is responsible for providing the ship’s crew and embarked Marines with three meals a day.

Walker has moved up through the ranks from seaman recruit to a third class petty officer during her time in the Navy.

“It was a lot of hard work,” said Walker. “You have to do the grunt work. I’ve worked in the chief’s mess and the wardroom. I’ve also worked as a damage control petty officer. I’ve pretty much done everything.”

Walker said that her favorite thing about her job is that she stays busy throughout the day.

“We work throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Walker. “You’re never confused about what you’re going to do. Your day is pretty much taken up until it’s time for you to get off.”

The 21-year-old said that she joined the Navy to take advantage of the educational benefits offered to service members. She is attending Central Texas College and hopes to eventually become an optometrist and open her own practice.

“I like the fact that we visit all these countries,” said Walker. “We go from Guam to Thailand. I’ve also been to Palau and Saipan. I like traveling, meeting new people, seeing new things and experiencing the different cultures.”

Walker graduated from Legacy High School in North Las Vegas and is the daughter of Tanya Hobson.

Tortuga is part of the forward-deployed Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is currently operating the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Connected Media