MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Niko Lawson, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, serves aboard USS John Basilone, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Lawson graduated from Edward C. Reed High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Raleigh.
“The Navy taught me patience,” Lawson said. “When faced with daily challenges, patience is important to help me achieve my goals. It takes time to learn new skills and grow in knowledge and character.”
Lawson joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Lawson serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities,” Lawson said. “I was taught from a young age to never stop learning.”
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.
Lawson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“What makes me proud is using the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from serving to help junior sailors learn and succeed in their careers,” Lawson said. “It’s an honor assisting others in navigating the educational opportunities provided by the Navy.”
Lawson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Service to me means pride, power and family,” Lawson said. “Pride for the ones who have served before me. Power in serving as part of the strongest sea power on earth. And, family because your shipmates become your new family, and you know they have your back no matter what.”
Lawson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Alysee, for her daily sacrifices and for continually supporting me in my career,” Lawson said.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Lawson graduated from Edward C. Reed High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Raleigh.
“The Navy taught me patience,” Lawson said. “When faced with daily challenges, patience is important to help me achieve my goals. It takes time to learn new skills and grow in knowledge and character.”
Lawson joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Lawson serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities,” Lawson said. “I was taught from a young age to never stop learning.”
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.
Lawson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“What makes me proud is using the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from serving to help junior sailors learn and succeed in their careers,” Lawson said. “It’s an honor assisting others in navigating the educational opportunities provided by the Navy.”
Lawson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Service to me means pride, power and family,” Lawson said. “Pride for the ones who have served before me. Power in serving as part of the strongest sea power on earth. And, family because your shipmates become your new family, and you know they have your back no matter what.”
Lawson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Alysee, for her daily sacrifices and for continually supporting me in my career,” Lawson said.