SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Deshawn Beasley, a native of Clarksville, Tennessee, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings |
Beasley joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Beasley serves as a fire controlman aboard USS Makin Island.
“I was working hard in a trade but was unable to progress my career due to certain age restrictions,” said Beasley. “After a near-death accident, I realized that I could achieve more if I joined the military. I also have always been curious about what life was like in the military. Since the cultivation of tribes, we've always had some form of defense for said tribe which has now evolved into a militaristic defense.”
Growing up in Clarksville, Beasley attended Kenwood High School and graduated in 2018.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Clarksville.
“Growing up near Nashville, I learned that success requires sacrifice,” said Beasley. "I apply that principle in all areas of my life."
These lessons have helped Beasley while serving aboard Makin Island.
Makin Island is an amphibious assault ship. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Beasley is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy supports national defense because we are a deterrence, but also a force to be reckoned with,” said Beasley. "We enable the U.S. to keep opposing forces at bay."
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Beasley and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of my leadership role and being able to pass on the knowledge that I've gathered to others,” said Beasley.
As Beasley and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I honestly believe it's a privilege to be able to say that ‘I protect my home, my friends and my family,’” added Beasley. "I often remind myself that it's not just about me, but it's also about providing the stage for our people to safely practice democracy and equality."
Beasley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my cousin, Johnton Collins, for steering me in the right direction,” added Beasley.