Killian graduated from Grayslake Central High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Spring Grove.
“Lessons that I learned from back home stemmed from my stepdad teaching self-discipline along with taking accountability for myself,” Killian said. “He pushed me to become a leader, and ultimately, I can say that because of him, he made me a better man fit to serve.”
Killian joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Killian serves as a mineman.
“I joined the Navy because I felt a higher calling and hoped to help people one day,” Killian said. "I felt that the Navy offered a sense of pride and motivation that would help me pursue goals later in life. My grandfather, Jim Killian, and stepfather, Jared Swanson, both served in the Marines during the early 2000s. They both had an influence on my decision to join the Navy.”
A Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Oakland is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. Crews aboard the ship can operate unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles. These ships can operate 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.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Killian has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was when we returned from deployment and I got to see all the families on the pier,” Killian said. “Even though my family was unable to be there, I still enjoyed seeing sailors being with their loved ones again. I’m also proud of working with sailors every day and seeing them achieve their goals.”
Killian 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 having a sense of pride and a feeling of doing something for everyone,” Killian said. "I enjoy helping others, so this is my way of doing that."
Killian is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Todd and Christine Killian, and all other families that are close to me,” Killian added. "I would not be where I am without them.”
From Spring Grove to the Sea: A Sailor’s Path to a Navy Warship
