SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessie Maxey, a native of Carthage, Texas, serves aboard USS Jack H. Lucas, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Maxey graduated from Carthage High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Carthage.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of keeping my faith in God and not losing it,” Maxey said. “I go to him for my struggles. When I’m stressed out or overwhelmed, I can go to him and get through anything.”
Maxey joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Maxey serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy because of my love for the USA and wanting to serve it,” Maxey said. “I was big into mechanics and ships and stuff like that. I always enjoyed taking tours of Navy vessels.”
Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.
Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Jack H. Lucas. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Maxey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of making petty officer second class because it will allow me to provide for and support my wife and myself so much better,” Maxey said.
Maxey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m able to protect my friends and, most importantly, my family,” Maxey said.
Maxey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank God because, without him, I couldn’t have done anything,” Maxey added. “None of this is even possible without him. I also want to thank my mom, Laronda Dillard, my dad, Joel Maxey, my stepmom, Sandra Maxey, and my wife, Aliza, for always supporting me through my struggles and my accomplishments.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Carthage.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of keeping my faith in God and not losing it,” Maxey said. “I go to him for my struggles. When I’m stressed out or overwhelmed, I can go to him and get through anything.”
Maxey joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Maxey serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy because of my love for the USA and wanting to serve it,” Maxey said. “I was big into mechanics and ships and stuff like that. I always enjoyed taking tours of Navy vessels.”
Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.
Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Jack H. Lucas. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Maxey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of making petty officer second class because it will allow me to provide for and support my wife and myself so much better,” Maxey said.
Maxey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m able to protect my friends and, most importantly, my family,” Maxey said.
Maxey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank God because, without him, I couldn’t have done anything,” Maxey added. “None of this is even possible without him. I also want to thank my mom, Laronda Dillard, my dad, Joel Maxey, my stepmom, Sandra Maxey, and my wife, Aliza, for always supporting me through my struggles and my accomplishments.”