Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR –A Takoradi, Ghana, native and 2000 Chapel Hill High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
PEARL HARBOR –A Takoradi, Ghana, native and 2000 Chapel Hill High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Petty officer 2nd Class Jim Barnes, a culinary specialist, is serving where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters is located.
“Growing up I was taught to do unto others as you want them to do unto you and respect others,” said Barnes. “This helps me in my Naval career everyday.”
According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Barnes is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
Barnes’s proudest accomplishment was earning a Navy Achievement Medal for preparing meals for a rotary club.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Barnes and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means everything,” added Barnes. “I can take care of my mom and my wife and myself. I am the first in my family to join the military. They really respect me for serving.”
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Barnes is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.
Barnes’s proudest accomplishment was earning a Navy Achievement Medal for preparing meals for a rotary club.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Barnes and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving means everything,” added Barnes. “I can take care of my mom and my wife and myself. I am the first in my family to join the military. They really respect me for serving.”