KINGS BAY, Ga. – Senior Chief Petty Officer Jesse Lynch, a native of Hermosa, South Dakota, who serves aboard USS Alaska, is headed to Anchorage for Navy Week, June 16 to 22. During Anchorage Navy Week, Lynch will volunteer in the community and discuss why the Navy matters to the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Lynch graduated from Custer High School in 2008 and Excelsior University with a bachelor's degree in professional sciences in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hermosa.
“Growing up in small towns that were mainly ranches, I developed a strong work ethic,” Lynch said. "I used that work ethic I developed to pave the path for my success in the Navy."
Lynch joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Lynch, a former machinist's mate auxiliary, serves as USS Alaska's chief of the boat (COB).
“My grandfather was in the Navy, and when I realized I wanted something more, I decided to follow in his path," Lynch said.
Anchorage is one of 15 Navy Weeks that will be put on by the Navy Office of Community Outreach this year. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort in areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Anchorage. This is the first Navy Week to be hosted by Anchorage.
Anchorage Navy Week events include Navy activities at the Chinooks vs. Miners baseball game in Chugiak, the Mayor’s Marathon and Kids Mile, Slam’n Salm’n Derby Kids Fishing Day and downtown Summer Solstice festivities. Sailors will also volunteer with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Food Bank of Alaska, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, VOA Alaska, Youth Employment in the Parks, Anchorage VA and summer programs with Anchorage Public Libraries, Campfire Alaska, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts.
For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Anchorage-2025/
USS Alaska is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine that has been in commission since 1986. The submarine is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the territory of Alaska or the state of Alaska.
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.
Lynch has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is earning my COB qualification,” Lynch said. "I had to push myself to be successful in everything leading up to my qualification. Holding the COB position is the pinnacle of the enlisted career path and allows me to have a significant impact on my sailors."
For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Anchorage-2025/
USS Alaska is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine that has been in commission since 1986. The submarine is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the territory of Alaska or the state of Alaska.
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.
Lynch has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is earning my COB qualification,” Lynch said. "I had to push myself to be successful in everything leading up to my qualification. Holding the COB position is the pinnacle of the enlisted career path and allows me to have a significant impact on my sailors."
Lynch serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being in the Navy for me is about service for the greater good,” Lynch said. "We are constantly evolving and improving ourselves and our processes to ensure that we do our part in maintaining peace."
Lynch is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Jessica, who has been my rock and has ensured I am grounded and true to myself,” Lynch added. "I also want to thank some of the amazing mentors I've had throughout the years, Command Master Chief James Elmstead, Master Chief Sonar Technician Submarine Myron Williams, retired Command Master Chief Danny Brown and many more."