SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class James Murray, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base San Diego.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Murray graduated from Bensen High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Omaha.
“Nebraska is known for five main things,” Murray said. “One of them being that we have the most tumultuous weather in the United States. If you can live in Nebraska, you can live anywhere in the world. In Nebraska, there are also a lot of specialized hospitals. We have the most specialized hospitals out of any other state in the United States. We are very family friendly and homegrown as well. I have been able to apply these lessons to the Navy in order to have a successful career."
Murray joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Murray serves as a religious program specialist.
“I joined the Navy because it had the most opportunities,” Murray said. "Ever since I was a child, I also always approached veterans and thanked them for their service. I was a patriotic child and wanted to do my part. On one end it was my patriotism and the other was to carry my family's legacy forward. My grandfather, who I was named after, as well as my uncles, had served in the military. One of whom was at the Battle of the Bulge. Lastly, serving in the Navy means upholding the core values of honor, courage and commitment.”
Naval Base San Diego is the U.S. Navy's largest base on the West Coast and is homeport to the Pacific Fleet Surface Navy with 56 U.S. Navy ships and two auxiliary vessels including USNS Mercy. The base is also home to more than 200 tenant commands, each having specific and specialized fleet support purposes.
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.
Murray has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is my unparalleled resilience with everything I have experienced,” Murray said. "From COVID quarantine to a COVID deployment, I now have the capability to deal with difficult experiences that have allowed me to grow and become a better sailor. The military is always on the go and we don't have all the luxuries that many Americans have. However, as a service member, I take pride and honor in defending our citizens so they can sleep safely every night. I would argue this is the second hardest job in the world after astronauts. Our chaplains are always there for our people and we care for our sailors 24/7/365.”
Murray serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving to me means taking on a very honorable job,” Murray said. "It is not the most lucrative career, but we do a job that matters. We have patriotism, honor for our country and honor for our family every single day. Family is essential for our service members to support our nation. Family always comes first 99% of the time and it is essential to always make time for family. The military is its own family, but your family that you go home to at night, provide you the support you need to perform your duties. To have the opportunity to be there for our citizens, we also need to be sure we have family that can be there for us."
Murray is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First and foremost I want to thank the Murray family back home,” Murray added. "Since my dad's passing, my family has shown incredible perseverance. I would also like to thank my Junior ROTC supporters who provided me with the foundation and resources I needed to be successful in this job. I would like to thank Chief Arbuckle as well for always correcting me and for always looking out for our sailors. I would like to thank Senior Chief Riley also for helping me during my most difficult times on my last ship. She made me the strong sailor I am today. I want to thank Chaplain Block and Chaplain Ireland as well for helping me during my darkest times and for getting me into the Chaplain Corps. I would like to thank Cmdr. Heely for being a bright resource every step of the way and for being the best commanding officer I have ever met. Lastly, I want to thank Chaplain Aaron Miller for being very influential as my command chaplain.”