JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An East Dublin, Georgia, 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 come from a small town and wanted to serve my country,” said Lewis.
Growing up in East Dublin, Lewis attended Dublin High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Lewis finds the values in East Dublin similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Even though you’re from a small town, you can have a big contribution when you join an organization like the Navy,” said Lewis. "My dad and mom both taught me the importance of hard work. I carried that with me into the Navy.”
These lessons have helped Lewis 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 Lewis 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 provides different missions such as submarine counter-intelligence,” said Lewis. “We move service members to places all around the world. The Navy also provides maritime security.”
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 Lewis is most proud of earning the humanitarian relief ribbon.
“We were underway aboard USS Kearsarge in 2017 when a hurricane hit,” said Lewis. “We spent time off the coast of Puerto Rico providing help to those in need.”
As Lewis and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“You impact the world every day that you put this uniform on,” added Lewis.