MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Demetrius Everett, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Station Mayport.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Everett graduated from Ocean Lakes High School in 2020.
Raised in a military family, Everett moved often and learned some of the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy while living in Virginia Beach.
“The biggest thing I learned growing up is the importance of commitment,” Everett said. “My first job was in Virginia; I was a busboy for this family restaurant. I stayed with it for six months, but I was fired from that after a miscommunication. I went to Home Depot and stayed there for two years. I liked the environment and people, so I stayed with it. That experience taught me that commitment goes a long way.”
Everett joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Everett serves as an aviation support equipment technician.
“My inspiration to join the Navy was my environment and my own self-awareness,” Everett said. “Growing up as a kid, my life has been a rollercoaster. My family was divided, and it was a lot of disarray over the years. I joined because of that and me knowing who I am and what I’m good at. My mom, my dad and my stepfather were all in the Navy. I was told by some prior enlisted that the Navy has jobs that would fit my skill set or work around them, so I signed up.”
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.
Everett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of getting a rate,” Everett said. “I went three years without a rate. Coming in, I tried for intelligence specialist, but I didn’t make it through the entire course. I needed to use my head more than I was used to. I tried for master-at-arms, but I didn’t have a license. I spent a year and a half on the USS Delbert D. Black as S-PACT. I finally got a rate in March. I’ll go to Japan for on-the-job training soon.”
Everett 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 helping me find myself,” Everett said. “It’s helping me better myself and to find who I am. It’s giving me a chance to build up my skill set, to better my personality and to accomplish my future goals.”
Everett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Patrice. She’s dealt with my shenanigans for the majority of my life,” Everett said. “She’s struggled, and I just want to thank her for supporting me while struggling. I’m grateful for my dad, Monolito, because even though he’s been away, he’s always found time to teach me, be my friend and support me.”
Everett is also grateful for support from fellow sailors.
“Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Tuffour was my first friend when I first got to the ship,” Everett said. “She was strict, but she was pretty solid, very supportive and encouraged everyone to do their best. She brought everyone together. I also want to thank Master Chief Hutchinson. I haven’t known him very long, but he’s been a great, supportive and influential person in my life. As a father figure and a fellow sailor, I’ve learned a lot from him. I want to thank him for being part of my life.”