MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Ayanni Penn, a native of Austell, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Station Mayport.
Penn graduated from South Cobb High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Austell.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of a strong work ethic,” Penn said. “I also learned to deal with different types of people from all over.”
Penn joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Penn serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel, experience new things and work in a fast-paced environment,” Penn said.
Since its commissioning in 1942, Naval Station Mayport has grown to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States. Boasting both a large harbor and an 8,000-foot runway capable of handling any military aircraft in use, Naval Station Mayport is home to more than 80 commands, including 22 ships and three helicopter squadrons.
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.
Penn has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of my time serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, from 2020-2023,” Penn said. “During our deployment, we went to Guam, Japan and the Philippines.”
Penn serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It’s an honor being part of something where we can make a positive difference,” Penn said. “This job also means that I can give my daughter, Nyla, everything she wants in life.”
Penn is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my sister, Octavea, along with my friends and mentors I’ve had along the way,” Penn said.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Penn graduated from South Cobb High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Austell.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of a strong work ethic,” Penn said. “I also learned to deal with different types of people from all over.”
Penn joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Penn serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel, experience new things and work in a fast-paced environment,” Penn said.
Since its commissioning in 1942, Naval Station Mayport has grown to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States. Boasting both a large harbor and an 8,000-foot runway capable of handling any military aircraft in use, Naval Station Mayport is home to more than 80 commands, including 22 ships and three helicopter squadrons.
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.
Penn has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of my time serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, from 2020-2023,” Penn said. “During our deployment, we went to Guam, Japan and the Philippines.”
Penn serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It’s an honor being part of something where we can make a positive difference,” Penn said. “This job also means that I can give my daughter, Nyla, everything she wants in life.”
Penn is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my sister, Octavea, along with my friends and mentors I’ve had along the way,” Penn said.