Midland graduate takes part in Unitas

ABOARD USS BRADLEY - The Latin word for unity, Unitas, is also used to designate one of the oldest annual exercises ever held by the U.S. Navy, which has become a tradition that embodies the U.S. Commitment and support to peace and stability in South America. For more than 40 years, Unitas has provided an excellent opportunity for naval forces from different nations of the Americas to participate in training exercises designed to strengthen multinational coalition, force interoperability and hemispheric defense.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Glenn H. Webb, son-in-law of Austin Simons of Grovetown, was one of the American Sailors participating in the Atlantic Phase of Unitas. Webb joined the Navy in August of 1996, twelve years after graduating from Midland Valley High School in Langley, S.C. This Sailor now serves aboard the guided missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG-49), home based in Norfolk, Va.

USS Bradley along with another 14 warships from Brazil, Uruguay, France and Spain conducted high-tech surface, air and undersea maneuvers, which also integrated Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces and assets.

Advanced communications drills, underway replenishments, live-fire, anti-air gunnery and missile exercises were some of the events involved in the realistic scenarios of the exercise. Webb and his shipmates aboard Bradley focused on their jobs to successfully accomplish all the evolutions in a safe and timely manner.

"I supervise and delegate technicians working with electronic equipment. I'm responsible for keeping radar and communications equipment operating," said the 36-year-old Sailor. "I'm qualified in various weapons and I also take part in the security aspect and firefighting of our ship."

The dreams and aspirations that motivated Webb to join the Navy are fulfilled by experiences like Unitas. "There were many people in my life who influenced me to join the Navy. I joined because I wanted to take advantage of the educational benefits and to see other cultures," said Webb.

"I have many favorite ports for different reason. I like Europe because their sites are older than our country. But the snorkeling and relaxed atmosphere in the Caribbean is awesome too," continued Webb. "However, going in to New York City was a thrill. Downtown Manhattan and Yankee Stadium were exciting to see as I'm from the South. And the people there were very friendly."

Aboard the U.S. Navy ship, Webb has had many learning opportunities. "I've learned to look at every situation with a positive view and that all things can work out for good," said Webb.

The positive outcomes of Unitas are not limited to military interoperability. They are also evident in better understanding and closer relationships built among people of different nationalities who, like Petty Officer 2nd Class Glenn H. Webb, come together to share not only their technical expertise but also their cultures and life experiences.