SAN DIEGO- Four years ago, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Zeise joined the Navy to take advantage of steady job security and look for alternatives other than going straight to college. Today, Zeise is serving aboard USS Boxer, stationed in San Diego.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller |
Zeise is an aviation electronics technician responsible for working on the electrical components of the aircraft to make it fly.
Zeise is a 2015 Owatonna Senior High School graduate and native of Owatonna, Minnesota.
According to Zeise, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Owatonna.
“My hometown is very old school meets new age,” said Zeise. "The older generations taught me what it means to do the work yourself and not rely too much on fancy technology. You can get a lot more satisfaction from hard work with a feeling of self-confidence. The new generations found how useful technology is, and I feel like the Navy has a very good balance between the two (old school and new school). I'm able to fit in that balance very well."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Zeise is most proud of earning his current rank.
“I was able to do a lot of work specific to my rate, in my previous job, which helped when I took the advancement exam,” said Zeise.
“I have no family members in the military that influenced me to join,” said Zeise. “Although, my younger sister joined the Army National Guard, and I like to think that I had some role to play in her choice to join.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Zeise, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy has changed me,” said Zeise. "At first, I was interested in paying for college, getting the benefits, and job security. It sounded really good, but the longer I stay in the more I feel the importance and impact of my job."
Zeise is a 2015 Owatonna Senior High School graduate and native of Owatonna, Minnesota.
According to Zeise, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Owatonna.
“My hometown is very old school meets new age,” said Zeise. "The older generations taught me what it means to do the work yourself and not rely too much on fancy technology. You can get a lot more satisfaction from hard work with a feeling of self-confidence. The new generations found how useful technology is, and I feel like the Navy has a very good balance between the two (old school and new school). I'm able to fit in that balance very well."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.
Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Zeise is most proud of earning his current rank.
“I was able to do a lot of work specific to my rate, in my previous job, which helped when I took the advancement exam,” said Zeise.
“I have no family members in the military that influenced me to join,” said Zeise. “Although, my younger sister joined the Army National Guard, and I like to think that I had some role to play in her choice to join.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Zeise, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy has changed me,” said Zeise. "At first, I was interested in paying for college, getting the benefits, and job security. It sounded really good, but the longer I stay in the more I feel the importance and impact of my job."