US Navy Sailor Francois Has Ties to Hudson Valley

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, TN – Petty Officer 2nd Class Tamarra Francois, whose family lives in Maybrook, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Robert Smalls.

Francois joined the Navy five years ago.

“I joined the Navy to have the opportunity to achieve the type of career I wouldn’t have as a civilian,” said Francois. “As a civilian, I grew tired of working multiple jobs that did not move me toward what I wanted to pursue. I also joined to be someone who provides care to those fighting difficult battles, stateside and around the world. I wanted to gain experience, knowledge and qualifications while doing the job as well.”

Today, Francois serves as a hospital corpsman.

“One of the best parts about my job is having the opportunity to be a jack of all trades in numerous fields, not just medical,” said Francois. “No matter the platform, I can train to become efficient in the same skills as the personnel attached to that command. In my years of service, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the ‘see one, do one, teach one’ model. Getting my hands dirty and facing challenging tasks head-on has been beneficial to my progression as a corpsman. It’s delightful to watch the students I teach grasp material and pass it along in the same manner. Habitually interacting with such a diverse group of people in ever-changing environments, circumstances and situations satisfies my inquisitive mind.”

U.S. Navy surface ships provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.

A Navy surface ship is capable of operating independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups or expeditionary strike groups.

Jobs aboard a U.S. Navy ship are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Francois serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Francois has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment thus far in my career in the Navy has been reaching a degree of adaptability and adjustment I did not know I had the capacity for,” said Francois. “I transitioned from working as a labor and delivery corpsman, resuscitating newborns and aiding doctors in maternal emergencies, to becoming the subject matter expert in efficiently running the medical department and programs onboard a forward-deployed guided-missile cruiser. Throughout my journey, I have witnessed my story of determination and grit inspire those around me to pursue the challenges they may be faced with.”

Francois can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of one of the biggest teams in the world,” added Francois. “There is no better melting pot of cultures, personalities and perspectives. I am a part of a team that has the same shared goals and the drive to accomplish these goals.”