Navy Office of Community Outreach

A 2011 Brookland Cayce graduate and Cayce, South Carolina, native provides key support as part of combat operations aboard USS Philippine Sea.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Brown is a Navy cryptologic technician (collection) aboard the guided-missile cruiser.

A Navy cryptologic technician (collection) is responsible for an intelligence analysis and pass information to our command.

“My favorite part of the job is the ability to work with advanced equipment,” Brown said.

Brown credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Cayce.

“Lesson learned came from my parents in manners and respect for everyone,” Brown said.

U.S. Navy sailors, like Brown, are stationed both stateside and on the high seas aboard surface ships around the world. Philippine Sea is one of more than 60 ships on the east coast of the United States as part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

U.S. Navy ships are deployed globally, and their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is vital to project power, secure common areas, deter aggression and assure allies when and where desired.

Due to its extensive combat capability, Philippine Sea is able to fire Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and other weapons as part of sustained combat operations against targets on and below the sea, in addition to hitting targets hundreds of miles over the land.

The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the ship’s electronic sensors and weapons systems to defend against anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s air search and fire control radar provides continuous search and tracking of hundreds targets simultaneously.

The crew of more than 400 sailors build a strong fellowship while working alongside each other. The sailors are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions as part of a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.

“The Philippine Sea is a small boy, a surface ship smaller than a carrier, and you get to know everyone,” Brown said. “Respect and trust is big on a small ship.

Though there are many ways for a sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Brown is most proud of earning his rank since it was the lowest advancement in many years.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Brown and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy, I set a higher standard for myself and it reflects in what I do and the people I meet,” Brown said.