JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Norfolk, Virginia, 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 a better opportunity,” said White. “My mother pushed me to join the Navy. When bad things happened around me, she pushed me to become a better person.”
Growing up in Norfolk, White attended Oscar Smith High School and graduated in 2014. Today, White finds the values in Norfolk similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in Norfolk, I had to be aware of my surroundings,” said White. “I'm really cautious about everything I do in the Navy. I'm cautious about waking up on time so that I'm not late for work. I was always cautious about the bad stuff, and now it’s for the good stuff.”
These lessons have helped White 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 White 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 patrols the water,” said White. “We protect other infrastructures around the world so that we can protect our people and other countries from people who are trying to harm them.”
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 White is most proud of earning the Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin.
“I had to study extra hard,” said White. “I saw other people fail, and that made me study even harder. When I passed, it was a stepping stone in my career, and I felt accomplished. My promotion to petty officer third class was another big accomplishment in my career.”
As White and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I wanted a bigger purpose in life,” added White. “I never thought I would be in an organization that meant so much. Once I understood what the Navy meant, I was proud to call myself a sailor.”