Brevard County Native U.S. Navy Lt. Zachary Parker Serves Aboard Guided Missile Destroyer USS Ramage

2008 Merritt Island High School Graduate Parker serves aboard USS Ramage

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MAYPORT, FLORIDA – Lt. Zachary Parker, a native of Merritt Island, Florida, serves aboard USS Ramage, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.

Parker graduated from Merritt Island High School in 2008.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Merritt Island.

“Merritt Island is where dreams are launched,” said Parker.

“There are a tremendous number of veterans who have grown up there or retired there. It’s a place of patriotism, excitement, and community. Being from there instilled in me the spirit of service.”

Parker joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Parker serves as a Navy chaplain.

“I joined the Navy because I felt a discerning call to the ministry in the service,” said Parker.

“It’s a duality of fulfillment. I have the opportunity to serve the Lord and our service members. Ultimately, this has helped me grow in my faith. I meet people from different denominations, and this has allowed me to expand and grow deeper.”

A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard Ramage. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. 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, according to Navy officials.

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.

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

Parker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is a video that a sailor and I worked on that earned them a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” said Parker. “I felt like I raised up a leader and I cherish that more than any personal award.”

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

“This crew has positioned me to understand the depth of sacrifices people make for this country,” said Parker. “I have the honor of serving alongside true patriots. That is something that will continue to grow as my career goes on. It is inspiring.”

Parker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents, Barbie Thrower and Charles Parker,” added Parker. “When I told my dad I was joining the Navy, the power went out in the restaurant we were in. That was a sign. Both of my parents have always been supportive, and my service has brought them pride, which is something every child wants to see in their parents. Most of all I have to thank my wife, Bethany, and my son Elim, for being so supportive and trusting of me and the Navy.”

Parker hopes to continue sharing the importance of spiritual readiness in the future throughout the fleet.

“I have a goal of continuing to invest in the momentum that spiritual readiness is essential to success in the fleet,” added Parker. “Warfighter readiness is linked to spiritual readiness, and I try to impress that upon the leadership.”

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