A Louisville, Kentucky, native is serving aboard USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship conducting training in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lt. Cmdr. Alex Saborsky is a 2004 Saint Xavier High School graduate and 2008 Seton Hall University graduate. Today, Saborsky serves as an intelligence officer.
"An intelligence officer is responsible for determining the intentions and interpreting the actions of our adversaries to drive actions and policies of decision makers across all levels of the military," said Saborsky.
Saborsky joined the Navy 11 years ago for the opportunities.
"I joined the Navy so others may not have to and to experience what so few people get to," said Saborsky.
According to Saborsky, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Louisville.
"The sense of community in Louisville translates well into Navy life," said Saborsky.
Iwo Jima is the seventh Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and the second ship in the U.S. Navy to bear that name. The ship was named for the Battle of Iwo Jima of World War II.
According to Navy officials, Wasp-class amphibious assault ships are the US Navy’s large-deck multipurpose amphibious assault ships. The WASP-class is the first specifically designed to employ air-cushion landing craft and to carry a squadron of Harrier II (AV-8B) STOVL (short take-off vertical landing) jets.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Saborsky is most proud of the sailors and officers who have worked for him.
"I try to set them up to succeed and appreciate when their extra effort takes them over the line," said Saborsky.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Saborsky, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"The COVID-19 vaccine is an opportunity to help ensure service readiness during uncertain times," added Saborsky. "Efforts put forth on mitigating COVID can be spent on improving the fleet if vaccine levels reach a sufficient threshold. The confined nature f shipboard life makes the vaccine even more necessary for our protection and that of the wider population.