Medina sailor serves aboard USS Minneapolis-St. Paul

MAYPORT, Fla. - Fireman Christipher Charnetski, a native of Medina, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to USS Minneapolis- St. Paul, a littoral combat ship operating out of Naval Station Mayport.

Charnetski graduated from Medina Independent School District in 2025.

“All the different jobs I worked growing up gave me my work ethic,” Charnetski said. “I learned from my hometown to not give up, and to keep going.”

Charnetski joined the Navy one year ago.

“I always wanted to be in the military,” Charnetski said. “My dad and sister were both in the Navy. I saw it was a quick and easy way to start my life.”

Today, Charnetski serves as a damage controlman.

Littoral combat ships like USS Minneapolis-St. Paul are designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. The ships can function independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.

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.

Charnetski has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest moment was when I received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” Charnetski said. “I received it for presenting our damage control equipment during a predeployment inspection.”

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

“Serving in the Navy means getting a head start in life,” Charnetski said. “It gives me experience; I have already learned so much.”

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

“I would like to thank my family,” Charnetski said.