NORFOLK, Va. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Amanda Clayton, a native of Sierra Vista, Arizona, 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 |
Clayton graduated from Buena High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sierra Vista.
“Sierra Vista may be smaller, but it's filled with hardworking people who value work ethic and sacrifice,” said Clayton. “These values were instilled in me by my hometown and parents. I’m not one to boast. I believe in letting my work speak for itself. That's been the mentality I've embraced throughout my entire career.”
Clayton joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Clayton serves as a mass communication specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I was looking for a good foundation for stability,” said Clayton. “I initially thought I'd spend just a little time in the Navy to get my footing in life. I started with shore duty, and now, here I am, 19 years later.”
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[1] . 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.
Clayton 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."
Clayton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I wouldn’t say I have a single moment I am most proud of,” said Clayton. “However, I am truly proud when sailors that I know reach out to me and let me know I impacted them mentally or professionally. We have an impact on each other. I take a lot of pride in seeing people grow and paying it forward.”
Clayton can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy entails a lot of sacrifice,” said Clayton. “It's a sacrifice that I am proud of. As a Korean adoptee, I wasn't born here, but I love the country I call home. Being a part of the Navy for the past 19 years, I love it like a family.”
Clayton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Debbi, and dad, Albert,” said Clayton. “They really have molded me into the person that I am. My parents were a significant factor in shaping my upbringing, instilling in me moral values and a strong work ethic. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn't have achieved the level of success that I have.”
“Additionally, I would like to thank my history teacher, Mr. Cerami,” added Clayton. “He inspired me to join the Navy. Setting the tone and pace for my career with his sea stories. I would not have joined without him sharing his experiences in the Navy with me.”