Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

OKINAWA, Japan – Culinary Specialist Seaman Dominique Washington, son of Serena Washington and Maurice White of Pittsburgh, currently serves aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) on deployment in the Western Pacific.

As a culinary specialist, 20-year-old Washington is responsible for providing more than 2000 sailors and Marines with quality meals three times a day.

“I really enjoy feeding the crew,” said Washington. “A good meal is something that always improves a sailor or Marine’s morale and I like knowing that I am helping keep people happy.”

Washington, a graduate of City Charter High School in downtown Pittsburgh, said he enlisted in the Navy to see if he liked life as a sailor before applying to the U.S. Naval Academy. He plans to start the application process to the Academy in Annapolis, Md., in the near future.

This will be Washington’s third deployment aboard Bonhomme Richard.

“I’m always excited about the ports we visit,” Washington said. “One of the reasons I joined the Navy was to travel.”

The Navy offers many paths for sailors to grow and to further their careers while serving in the Navy, the Navy Reserves and in the civilian workforce.

Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group.

The ARG includes Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9), amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7.