A Westminster South Carolina native's journey has led her to serve aboard one of the Navy's amphibious assault ships.
Seaman Recruit Brooke Watson is serving aboard the U.S. Navy's USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship based in Norfolk, Virginia. Watson joined the Navy last year, earned her GED, and now serves as a boatswain's mate.
She's the first woman in her family to serve, following in the footsteps of her grandfathers. Watson says one of her proudest accomplishments was being chosen as her boot camp division's artist and painting the division flag.
The USS Wasp, supports missions ranging from humanitarian relief to amphibious operations.
Full press release below:
NORFOLK, Va. - Seaman Recruit Brooke Watson, a native of Westminster, South Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Melissa ArmsKelly, Fleet Public Affairs Center Norfolk |
Watson received a GED in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Westminster.
“My dad always told me to never let others define me by what I was, but by what I could become,” Watson said. “My mom taught me that success is not about if something will happen, but when.”
Watson joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Watson serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy as the first female in my family to serve,” Watson said. “My grandfather served in both the Navy and Air Force, and my other grandfather served in the Army.”
USS Wasp plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults.
This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe. Resembling a small aircraft carrier, USS Wasp’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
Watson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments was being selected as Division 086’s artist during boot camp and painting the division flag,” Watson said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to protect my loved ones and the loved ones of others,” Watson said.
Watson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my Recruit Division Commander, Chief Gunner's Mate Link, for inspiring me to become the kind of leader and Sailor he is,” Watson said.
By Chief Yeoman Vicki Sonnenberg, Navy Office of Community Outreach
