JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Chandler, Arizona, 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 joined the Navy to take advantage of the opportunities and see how far I can go in a challenging occupation,” said Klein.
Growing up in Chandler, Klein attended Tempe Humanities and Sciences Academy and graduated in 2020. Today, Klein finds the values in Chandler similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“The more friends you have, the better off you'll be,” said Klein. “I moved around as a child from California to Washington to Arizona. Learning these social skills helped me in the military where I've met people from all over the country.”
These lessons have helped Klein 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 Klein 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.
“The oceans are massive, so they present a big challenge,” said Klein. "We need a strong Navy to keep the oceans free and open for trade."
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 Klein is most proud of his time in bootcamp.
“I began to truly thrive under pressure and was often recognized by my superiors,” said Klein.
As Klein and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy brings me a great deal of pride because of my pride in America and what it represents,” added Klein.