JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Miami, 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 was looking for something different and wanted to travel the world,” said West.
Growing up in Miami, West attended Miami Edison Senior High School and graduated in 1994. Today, West finds the values in Miami similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Hard work is one of the things I learned,” said West. "We didn't grow up with much, so we were thankful for what we had. It made me appreciate life more."
These lessons have helped West 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 West 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.
“A strong Navy protects our liberty and freedom,” said West. “The Navy protects our way of life.”
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 West is most proud of his progression from the lowest enlisted rank (E-1) to his commission as a Naval officer.
“I was a chief petty officer, when I was selected for the program to earn a commission,” said West. “Your technical expertise and military bearing play a factor into whether or not you're selected.”
As West and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy saved my life,” added West. “I have friends who are not here today because it was too easy to get into trouble. My military service saved me from who knows what. My dad encouraged me to stay in the Navy, and it worked out.”