NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayden Jones, a native of League City, Texas, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Jones graduated in 2021 from Clear Falls High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in League City.
“In middle school, I had a coach who encouraged me to participate in football,” said Jones. “Coach Paul never gave up on me, and showed me how training leads to success and how overcoming adversity changes one’s attitude for the better.”
Jones joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Jones serves as an air traffic controller.
“I joined the Navy because I always knew I wanted to do something unique for a career,” said Jones. “I also wanted to travel and help people. I find my current job really interesting because I can learn every day while working with aircraft and procedures among a wide range of scenarios.”
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.
“Mighty IKE” is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named for Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of only four five-star U.S. Army generals and a hero of World War II who would later serve as the 34th president of the United States. Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, the carrier is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons.
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.
Serving in the Navy means Jones is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we have a show of force with these big aircraft carriers,” said Jones. “They are an intimidating presence both for our enemies and allies, representing the strength and capabilities of the United States.”
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.
Jones has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Watching the people who I mentor and train earn qualifications is extremely satisfying,” said Jones. “I feel like I’m really doing something important and I get excited to come to work. I think that sets me apart from other people my age.”
As Jones and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“I took a leap of faith and am grateful for the continued opportunities the Navy provides,” said Jones.
Jones is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“My family is the biggest support system and are role models who I continually strive to emulate,” added Jones. “My mom owns her own business, my grandmother is a devoted school teacher, my dad and stepdad are amazing mentors, and my two best friends, Michael and Will, are like brothers who will always be there for me.”