SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jermaine McClendon, a native of Victorville, California, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
McClendon graduated from Silverado High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Victorville.
“I learned in my hometown to be a leader, not a follower,” McClendon said. “In the Navy, you have to be a leader to rank up. Being a leader also helps you set a good example for other sailors.”
McClendon joined the Navy four years ago. Today, McClendon serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I was bored,” McClendon said. “I also was working at the airport, and I wanted more opportunities.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
McClendon graduated from Silverado High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Victorville.
“I learned in my hometown to be a leader, not a follower,” McClendon said. “In the Navy, you have to be a leader to rank up. Being a leader also helps you set a good example for other sailors.”
McClendon joined the Navy four years ago. Today, McClendon serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy because I was bored,” McClendon said. “I also was working at the airport, and I wanted more opportunities.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
McClendon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer second class because it’s the sweet spot in the Navy,” McClendon said.
McClendon 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 that I can set a good example for my nieces and nephews because they look up to me,” McClendon said.
McClendon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to give a shoutout to Master Chief Green for his guidance and for putting me in the right spot to get where I am now,” McClendon added. “I also want to thank my family and friends for their support.”
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.
McClendon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of making the rank of petty officer second class because it’s the sweet spot in the Navy,” McClendon said.
McClendon 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 that I can set a good example for my nieces and nephews because they look up to me,” McClendon said.
McClendon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to give a shoutout to Master Chief Green for his guidance and for putting me in the right spot to get where I am now,” McClendon added. “I also want to thank my family and friends for their support.”