SAN DIEGO. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Cortney Jones, a native of Brick, New Jersey, joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Jones serves as a master-at-arms aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I wanted to see the world and do something different,” said Jones.
Growing up in Brick, Jones attended Brick Township High School and graduated in 2010. Today, Jones uses the same skills and values learned in Brick to succeed in the military.
“I grew up quickly which helps me now because I can relate to the younger sailors and help them grow,” said Jones.
That lesson continues to help Jones while serving in the Navy.
USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.
“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task--get this ship ready," said Capt. John Kiefaber, USS Tripoli's executive officer. "They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continued to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn't be more proud."
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.
“We maintain security on the seas and make sure we can deliver forces and support wherever needed,” said Jones.
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.”
Jones and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of advancing to second class and earning my enlisted surface warfare qualification,” said Jones.
As Jones and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“For me, serving in the Navy is about following in my grandfathers' footsteps,” added Jones. “One of mine served in World War II and the other in Vietnam. I wanted to help preserve what they fought so hard for.”
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.”
Jones and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of advancing to second class and earning my enlisted surface warfare qualification,” said Jones.
As Jones and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“For me, serving in the Navy is about following in my grandfathers' footsteps,” added Jones. “One of mine served in World War II and the other in Vietnam. I wanted to help preserve what they fought so hard for.”