KINGS BAY, Ga. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Jackson Maddux, a native of Douglas, Ariziona, who serves aboard USS Alaska, is headed to Anchorage for Navy Week, June 16 to 22, During Anchorage Navy Week, Maddux will volunteer in the community and discuss why the Navy matters to the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Maddux graduated from Douglas High School in 2002.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Douglas.
"Growing up playing sports taught me grit and that hard work pays off," Maddux said. "I've applied these lessons throughout my career, and that has led me to success and completing quality work the first time."
Maddux joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Maddux serves as a missile technician.
"The majority of my family has served in the Navy," Maddux said. "I joined to continue the tradition while also building a better future for myself."
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.
Maddux has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am most proud of being the Junior Sailor of the Year," Maddux said. "I received this award due to taking on the difficult task of the battle stations missile fire control supervisor, as well as my contributions to data collection."
Maddux 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 has shown me I can be a part of something greater than myself," Maddux said. "It has allowed me to work with people from so many different backgrounds has taught me lessons I will carry forever."
Maddux is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I would like to thank Senior Chief Missile Technician Smith and Missile Technician 1st Class Darst for teaching me basically everything I know about my rate and for holding me to a higher standard," Maddux added.