SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Street, a native of the Bronx, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Street graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2007.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
“Growing up, I learned how to navigate a crisis, how to maneuver in literally any kind of situation,” Street said. “No matter what this game throws at me, I’ve likely seen it already, especially dealing with people. In this profession, my whole job is dealing with the public all day long.”
Street joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Street serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy mainly to take care of my family,” Street said. “I was expecting a baby, my first child. That’s what prompted me to go see a recruiter. I wanted to see and do something different than what I was doing.”
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Street has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being awarded Sailor of the Year last year,” Street said. “That was big. Earning that meant I had to prove I was the best among my peers. It meant everything to me to get that recognition from my commanding officer, command master chief and executive officer. I was also meritoriously advanced to the next pay grade. You have to prove yourself to be at the next rank and you have to work at that next level, so I had to prove to my chain of command and my peers that I deserved to be at that next rank.”
Street serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I get pride from serving in the Navy,” Street said. “It’s a pride thing for me. I’m very proud to do what I do for others and my community. Before I joined the Navy, I would see the sailors during Fleet Week New York, how they interacted with people and the showcase they put on, but I didn’t really understand what it meant to people in the city. Then, after I joined, I went to Fleet Week and I would have people stop to take pictures with me and tell me they wanted their kids to be just like me. Coming from New York, where 9/11 happened, I saw that patriotism first-hand and what it really means to people there.”
Street is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my first mentor, Chief Hospital Corpsman Javier,” Street added. “He was the first person to guide me and help me understand how this organization works. There’s a mindset change going from civilian to military personnel, and he was the first person to break it down for me. I also want to thank my wife, Janisha, for supporting me through this journey. She takes care of our home and everything while I’m gone. She’s stellar.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Bronx.
“Growing up, I learned how to navigate a crisis, how to maneuver in literally any kind of situation,” Street said. “No matter what this game throws at me, I’ve likely seen it already, especially dealing with people. In this profession, my whole job is dealing with the public all day long.”
Street joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Street serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy mainly to take care of my family,” Street said. “I was expecting a baby, my first child. That’s what prompted me to go see a recruiter. I wanted to see and do something different than what I was doing.”
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Street has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being awarded Sailor of the Year last year,” Street said. “That was big. Earning that meant I had to prove I was the best among my peers. It meant everything to me to get that recognition from my commanding officer, command master chief and executive officer. I was also meritoriously advanced to the next pay grade. You have to prove yourself to be at the next rank and you have to work at that next level, so I had to prove to my chain of command and my peers that I deserved to be at that next rank.”
Street serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I get pride from serving in the Navy,” Street said. “It’s a pride thing for me. I’m very proud to do what I do for others and my community. Before I joined the Navy, I would see the sailors during Fleet Week New York, how they interacted with people and the showcase they put on, but I didn’t really understand what it meant to people in the city. Then, after I joined, I went to Fleet Week and I would have people stop to take pictures with me and tell me they wanted their kids to be just like me. Coming from New York, where 9/11 happened, I saw that patriotism first-hand and what it really means to people there.”
Street is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my first mentor, Chief Hospital Corpsman Javier,” Street added. “He was the first person to guide me and help me understand how this organization works. There’s a mindset change going from civilian to military personnel, and he was the first person to break it down for me. I also want to thank my wife, Janisha, for supporting me through this journey. She takes care of our home and everything while I’m gone. She’s stellar.”