MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Jeffus, a native of Islip, New York, serves aboard USS Indianapolis, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Jeffus graduated from Islip High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Islip.
“I learned to think outside of the box to figure out how things work, and how I can best fix things that need attention,” Jeffus said.
Jeffus joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Jeffus serves as an electrician’s mate.
“I decided to join the Navy after my daughter was born,” Jeffus said. “I was looking for a stable, secure job.”
A littoral combat ship, Indianapolis is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. Crews aboard the ship can operate unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles. These ships can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.
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.
Jeffus has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for discovering and fixing an elusive problem with the ship’s main propulsion diesel engine,” Jeffus said. “It was challenging to determine what the problem was, and I’m proud that I was the one who figured it out and ultimately fixed it.”
Jeffus serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“The Navy gives me a place to fit in,” Jeffus said. “While transiting the Red Sea, we were under fire, attacked by 23 missiles. I was serving in the engineering plant, knowing that if we had any kind of problems on the ship, we would have been a sitting duck. My job was imperative to the safety of the ship. Every sailor on the ship has their part to play to keep the ship safe, and I am glad that I fit in to do my part.”
Jeffus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m most grateful to my wife, Amanda,” Jeffus said. “She handles everything at home, so I can concentrate 100% at work. She currently stays at home with the kids while I’m gone, so I couldn’t do this without her. I also want to send a shoutout to Senior Chief Mark Nicholas, who helped me become a better engineer. He showed how to maintain a laser-focused mindset, while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. He’s a great mentor to me.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Jeffus graduated from Islip High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Islip.
“I learned to think outside of the box to figure out how things work, and how I can best fix things that need attention,” Jeffus said.
Jeffus joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Jeffus serves as an electrician’s mate.
“I decided to join the Navy after my daughter was born,” Jeffus said. “I was looking for a stable, secure job.”
A littoral combat ship, Indianapolis is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. Crews aboard the ship can operate unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles. These ships can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.
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.
Jeffus has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for discovering and fixing an elusive problem with the ship’s main propulsion diesel engine,” Jeffus said. “It was challenging to determine what the problem was, and I’m proud that I was the one who figured it out and ultimately fixed it.”
Jeffus serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“The Navy gives me a place to fit in,” Jeffus said. “While transiting the Red Sea, we were under fire, attacked by 23 missiles. I was serving in the engineering plant, knowing that if we had any kind of problems on the ship, we would have been a sitting duck. My job was imperative to the safety of the ship. Every sailor on the ship has their part to play to keep the ship safe, and I am glad that I fit in to do my part.”
Jeffus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m most grateful to my wife, Amanda,” Jeffus said. “She handles everything at home, so I can concentrate 100% at work. She currently stays at home with the kids while I’m gone, so I couldn’t do this without her. I also want to send a shoutout to Senior Chief Mark Nicholas, who helped me become a better engineer. He showed how to maintain a laser-focused mindset, while also keeping the bigger picture in mind. He’s a great mentor to me.”