MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Tamari Colfes, a native of Arlington, Virginia, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Colfes, a 2020 Wakefield High School graduate, joined the Navy two and a half years ago.
"I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel the world and have new experiences," said Colfes.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Arlington.
"Arlington taught me to always remember where I come from and to never be afraid of change," said Colfes.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America's Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier's speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
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.
As a member of the Navy, Colfes 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 contributes to national defense by always being available to answer the nation's call and by providing sufficient resources to protect our country," said Colfes.
Colfes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am most proud of being meritoriously promoted to the rank of petty officer third class," said Colfes.
As Colfes and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Being in the Navy means everything to me because I am able to help and serve others while protecting the ones I love," added Colfes.