JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Bryceville, Florida, native serves at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville located in Jacksonville, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patricia Rodriguez |
“I wanted to be a cop,” said Norris. "I'm looking to get experience and stay in shape, so I can join the police force when I get out of the Navy."
Growing up in Bryceville, Norris attended West Nassau High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Norris finds the values in Bryceville similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Responsibility is one lesson I learned growing up,” said Norris. “I was taught that when you mess up, you take responsibility. Don't try to push it on someone else.”
These lessons have helped Norris while serving at NAS Jacksonville.
On Oct. 15, 1940, NAS Jacksonville was officially commissioned, and became the first part of the Jacksonville Navy complex that would also include NAS Cecil Field and Naval Station Mayport.
According to Navy officials, the mission of NAS Jacksonville is to enable warfighter readiness focused directly on support of operational units aboard the base and throughout the fleet.
NAS Jacksonville consists of more than 100 tenant commands and is one of the largest employers in the area. It contributes to the growth and prosperity of Northeast Florida with an economic impact of more than $2 billion annually.
Serving in the Navy means Norris is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We're surrounded by water, so we need a Navy to protect it,” said Norris. "We need the water-based service to defend our country."
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.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Norris is most proud of graduating from bootcamp.
“It was a relief in a way to get through it even though it was a little different because of COVID,” said Norris.
As Norris and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I'm responsible for protecting others who cannot protect themselves,” added Norris.
According to Navy officials, the mission of NAS Jacksonville is to enable warfighter readiness focused directly on support of operational units aboard the base and throughout the fleet.
NAS Jacksonville consists of more than 100 tenant commands and is one of the largest employers in the area. It contributes to the growth and prosperity of Northeast Florida with an economic impact of more than $2 billion annually.
Serving in the Navy means Norris is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We're surrounded by water, so we need a Navy to protect it,” said Norris. "We need the water-based service to defend our country."
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.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Norris is most proud of graduating from bootcamp.
“It was a relief in a way to get through it even though it was a little different because of COVID,” said Norris.
As Norris and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I'm responsible for protecting others who cannot protect themselves,” added Norris.