VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Keiron Nelson, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
Nelson graduated from Miller Grove High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“In Atlanta, I learned to be myself,” said Nelson. “You’re exposed to all sorts of circumstances in Georgia. You learn how to handle them in your own unique way.”
Nelson joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Nelson serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy to seek a better life for myself,” said Nelson. “The Navy was the place that was willing to take me the quickest.”
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Nelson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Nelson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making the rank of petty officer second class as soon as I did,” said Nelson. “I was promoted four times in roughly three years.”
Nelson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to sacrifice for my country,” said Nelson. “Not everyone can serve, so to be able to serve is definitely a privilege.”
Nelson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Chief Robinson, Yeoman 1st Class Mixon and my parents,” said Nelson. “My parents have always supported me no matter what decisions I make. Chief Robinson was the first leader to inspire me and instill leadership attributes in me, and YN1 Mixon is like a sister to me.”
Nelson offered words of advice to anyone in need of encouragement.
“No matter what people say or how they treat you, at the end of the day you are the only one who is in charge of your future,” added Nelson.