SAN DIEGO - Seaman Adina Phebus, a native of Fall Branch, Tennessee, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Phebus graduated in 2022 from David Crocket High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fall Branch.
“Growing up, I learned that the ability to make and maintain strong friendships can get me through a lot of my struggles,” said Phebus. “Being raised in the South taught me a lot about hospitality towards others and to myself.”
Phebus joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Phebus serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country,” said Phebus. “The Navy offered educational opportunities and allowed me to pursue my interest in photography.”
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 in the world. 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, Florida. Six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold” one year later. 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 are stronger because of their service.
As a member of the Navy, Phebus 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 U.S. Navy operates worldwide to keep adversaries and belligerent forces from taking control of free and open waters where vital trade and commerce are constantly transiting,” said Phebus. “I’m an active participant in collecting visual intelligence that contributes to the Navy’s mission.”
With 90% 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.
Phebus has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of the things I’m proud of is having two of my photos posted on the official U.S. Navy Instagram and Facebook pages,” said Phebus. “I was also chosen as Rough Rider/Sailor of the Day.”
As Phebus and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving the Navy gives me a chance to improve my skills in a career path I was already interested in,” said Phebus. “My work with the Navy is helping me build a portfolio for a civilian career in the future.”