By Lt. Jill Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Clearwater, 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 |
“My cousin was a command master chief and inspired me to join the Navy,” said Jones. “I also have a cousin who is currently serving as a supply officer. Our family tradition taught me to use my skills to serve my country.”
Growing up in Clearwater, Jones graduated from Palm Harbor University High School in 2008, and from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance in 2013. Today, Jones finds the values in Clearwater similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“I played basketball growing up and was part of a team,” said Jones. “I learned to work hard and to strive for excellence.”
These lessons have helped Jones 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 Jones 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 Navy makes sure that when we go out to sea, there are no terrorists,” said Jones. “In the air, we monitor for sex and drug trafficking.”
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 Jones is most proud of earning an early promotion.
“I accomplished something bigger than myself and for the country,” said Jones. “I feel really good about my accomplishment.”
As Jones and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I am proud to serve because I can bring experience for something greater than myself,” added Jones. “I’m doing something for my country.”