High Caliber Sailor...Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Regan N. Carter

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Firearms are a common piece of military equipment used across all nations. They come in all calibers, and are used for training exercises and operational assignments. Aboard the 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), the responsibility of maintaining these vital weapons reside with the weapons division, which includes Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Regan N. Carter.

Regan Nicole Carter, 20, was born in Magnolia, Texas, to Robert Carter and Rhonda Wolff. She’s the stepdaughter to Jackie Carter and Ronald Wolff, the sister to Rachel Woodhull and Reanna Kavanaugh, half-sister to Chance Carter, and stepsister to David Hanson and Kyle Wolff.

She left for boot camp in Great Lakes, Ill. as a seaman recruit, May 28, 2013. Following boot camp she went to “A” school where she graduated top of her class and was early promoted to seaman apprentice. Upon arrival to her first command, Mount Whitney, she again earned early promotion through the accelerated advancement program.

“I didn’t want to be the person who would have to depend on my parents. I want to better myself; make something of myself,” said Carter. “I always told myself I would never join the Navy however after speaking to the recruiters from other branches I decided the Navy was the best choice for me.”

Each day Carter performs maintenance on small arms weapons and 50-caliber machine guns. Maintenance includes cleaning of weapons and conducting parts inspections to ensure nothing is corroding or broken. Carter also takes magazine temperatures to ensure the ammo is stored at the correct temperature.

Apart from daily maintenance, Carter is also one of several Sailors, assigned to Mount Whitney, who are trained to man and fire the mounted weapons if needed.

“I’m from Texas; guns are a common thing there so I don’t mind being around and working on them,” said Carter. “I’m the type of girl who doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty.”

During Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2014, an annual multinational exercise in the Baltic Sea, the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited the ship. In preparation for Mabus’ visit, Carter made sure these rugged tools of security were pristine and spotless. This included sanding and painting weapons and mounts.

“Even though the SECNAVs visit involved lots of work and trying to make everything perfect; it was worth having him on the ship,” said Carter. “I even got to shake his hand and take a photo with him, it ended up being a great time, I mean not everyone gets to meet the SECNAV.”

Carter is eligible to take the 2nd class petty officer exam in September. Carter says if she is able to make 2nd class then she stay in the Navy longer to capitalize on her feeling of success. Carter also stated if she continues a career in the military, she would like to go to Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) school, a secondary school for gunner’s mate; or become an instructor in order to share her experience in teaching.

“The Navy has opened my eyes to a life I thought I would never have. Things may be rough at times but when it is I tell myself, don’t cry over spilled perfume, it isn’t worth it,” said Carter. “The Navy has given me the tools to succeed such as education and friendships that could never be replaced. I am extremely grateful for my family and my Navy family for all the support they have given me since the day I decided to join the military.”