By Megan Brown MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Rita Doakes, a native of Houston, Texas, FROM 11AM TO 4PM recently graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Limited Duty O cer/Chief Warrant O cer (LDO/CWO) School. On Apr. 12. Doakes, a Richard Milburn Academy graduate, joined the Navy 14 years ago. “I joined the Navy for  financial stability, to travel the world and to be the difference,” said Doakes. “I am the  first military officer in my family.”  e skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston. “Growing up, I learned to lead by example, even if it means not  fitting in or being liked,” said Doakes. “I was also always taught to be honest and to earn everything I get because the return is priceless.” LDO/CWO school is one of four o cer accession programs operating at O cer Training Command Newport, Rhode Island. This is the  final step in a sailor’s transition into the Naval O cer Corps.  is course is comprehensive, intense and designed to reinforce understanding of the responsibilities of a naval o cer. Doakes was an enlisted aviation boatswain’s mate (fuels) before joining LDO/CWO School and will now serve aboard USS Battan following LDO/ CWO School. Doakes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “My proudest accomplishment is becoming one of  ve female aviation deck limited duty officers and having the ability to leave things better than I found them each time,” said Doakes. Doakes serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security. “I have been able to be an example to so many men and women just by being myself,” added Doakes. “During this class and prior to it, I’ve earned so much respect for taking a step and bringing others with me.”

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