MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class James Walls, a native of Highland, Arkansas, serves aboard USS John Basilone, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Walls graduated from Highland High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Highland.
“I learned from my hometown that hard work can take you far,” Walls said. “I have always sought out harder jobs and duties as a way to test myself and advance my career.”
Walls joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Walls serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for a career that offered many opportunities not available in my hometown,” Walls said. “I had several jobs, but was looking for something more meaningful to call a career. I decided on the Navy because of all the vast career choices and the ability to travel the world.”
A Navy destroyer, John Basilone, is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a Phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard John Basilone. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Walls has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far would be earning my Engineering Officer of the Watch qualification and being named Sailor of the Year for my ship,” Walls said. “As a leader, I’m proud to see two of my sailors meritoriously promoted and one winning an award called Blue Jacket of the Quarter.”
Walls 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 is an honor not a lot of people can say they have done,” Walls said. “It’s not just a job or career, it’s a way to show your love and pride for your country and its people. It takes a lot of sacrifice to continue to serve with the separation from family and loved ones.”
Walls is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all four of my parents, Tim and Jennine Eash, and Johnny and Anne Walls, for loving and supporting me in all my endeavors,” Walls said. “I’d also like to thank my wife, Brianna Walls, for supporting my career and holding down life at home while I’m away.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Walls graduated from Highland High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Highland.
“I learned from my hometown that hard work can take you far,” Walls said. “I have always sought out harder jobs and duties as a way to test myself and advance my career.”
Walls joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Walls serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for a career that offered many opportunities not available in my hometown,” Walls said. “I had several jobs, but was looking for something more meaningful to call a career. I decided on the Navy because of all the vast career choices and the ability to travel the world.”
A Navy destroyer, John Basilone, is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a Phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard John Basilone. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Walls has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far would be earning my Engineering Officer of the Watch qualification and being named Sailor of the Year for my ship,” Walls said. “As a leader, I’m proud to see two of my sailors meritoriously promoted and one winning an award called Blue Jacket of the Quarter.”
Walls 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 is an honor not a lot of people can say they have done,” Walls said. “It’s not just a job or career, it’s a way to show your love and pride for your country and its people. It takes a lot of sacrifice to continue to serve with the separation from family and loved ones.”
Walls is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all four of my parents, Tim and Jennine Eash, and Johnny and Anne Walls, for loving and supporting me in all my endeavors,” Walls said. “I’d also like to thank my wife, Brianna Walls, for supporting my career and holding down life at home while I’m away.”