SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Amethyst Barnes, a graduate of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, 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 |
Barnes joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Barnes serves as a quartermaster aboard USS Makin Island.
“I joined to expand my mind, broaden my experiences and see how far I can go in life,” said Barnes. "I try to live my life beyond the boundaries of fear and learn something new each day. Tired of a 9-5 corporate job, the Navy seemed like a place where I could challenge myself."
Growing up in Chattanooga, Barnes attended East Tennessee State University and graduated in 2017.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Johnson City.
“Back home I learned to maintain a good work ethic and the importance of working well with a team,” said Barnes. "Both of these have been very important in my job in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Barnes 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, Barnes 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 keeps the seas free with a great show of force,” said Barnes. "When other navies see a ship, like the Makin Island, they think twice about how they conduct themselves in international waters."
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.
Barnes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud that I completed nearly all of my qualifications on my first deployment and for being nominated for Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” said Barnes.
As Barnes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to be a better person while making my loved ones proud,” added Barnes.
Barnes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for putting the idea in my head and pushing me to finish college and then join the Navy,” added Barnes.