NORFOLK, Va. - Seaman Jaydyn Barrett, a native of Enola, Pennsylvania, serves aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adriones Johnson, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Barrett graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Enola.
“Good things come out of struggling,” said Barrett. "When I'm down, I just remind myself the hard times are going to make me a better person."
Barrett joined the Navy 18 months ago. Today, Barrett serves as a logistics specialist.
“I was in a tough spot at home and the military was an option that suited me more than any other,” said Barrett. "Learning my job has proven to me that I made the right decision."
The crew recently completed an eight-month deployment, which was the first deployment for the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was extended 76 days following the outbreak of conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation and support Israel in its right to self-defense.
While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Türkiye. Other ships in the strike group visited Belgium, Cyprus, Montenegro, Spain, and Sweden.
“The Gerald R. Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more. I am so proud of the crew, who breathed life into the world’s most technologically advanced warship and stood the watch in defense of our national interests,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our sailors performed admirably. Ford sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”
In 239 days underway, the ship’s crew conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 17,826 flight hours and 10,396 sorties, sailed more than 83,476 nautical miles, and safely transferred 20.7 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps. The Ford crew conducted 33,444 flight deck moves, 3,124 hangar bay aircraft moves, 2,883 aircraft elevator moves, 16,351 aircraft fueling evolutions, and transferred 8,850 pallets of cargo and mail. The Gerald R. Ford culinary team prepared and served 3.1 million meals, which included approximately 48,000 dozen eggs, 24,000 gallons of milk, 131,000 hamburgers, 367,000 pounds of chicken, and Gerald R. Ford’s favorite, 79,000 chocolate chip cookies.
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.
Barrett 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."
Barrett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My greatest accomplishment so far was getting through our nine-month deployment in 2023,” said Barrett. "When we were extended twice and I started missing important events at home, it got really hard. My grandfather, who passed away during the deployment, was always encouraging me to keep pushing. The friendships I formed on that deployment will last a lifetime."
Barrett can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to provide a means of making a living for myself and my future children,” said Barrett. "Getting to serve the country is also an honor. Not everyone in this country can say that."
Barrett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Before I joined, my grandmother and grandfather were constantly pointing out that I wasn't happy where I was in my hometown and they pushed me to decide to join,” added Barrett. "I will always be grateful to them. Now, I'm going to cosmetology school and then hopefully on to earn a bachelor's degree.”