SAN DIEGO. – Petty Officer 1st Class John Burton, a native of Foothill Ranch, California, joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Burton serves as an aviation support equipment technician aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a better job opportunity than I had available at the time and I knew that the military was a great resume builder,” said Burton.
Growing up in Foothill Ranch, Burton attended Alexander Hamilton High School and graduated in 1998. Today, Burton uses the same skills and values learned in Foothill Ranch to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught not to take things to heart,” said Burton. "You have to understand that at the end of the day you're here to do work, so everyone needs to do their part."
These lessons have helped Burton 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 continue to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Serving in the Navy means Burton 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.
“As far as sea power, the Navy contributes to national security by protecting harbors and keeping the seas free,” said Burton.
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.”
Burton and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is hard to pick,” said Burton. "I've had good stuff happen and I've thought 'It can't get better than this,' and then something else great happens, so my greatest accomplishment is undecided."
As Burton 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.
“To me, serving in the Navy means an opportunity to do something greater for others,” added Burton. "As a sailor, I get to help the citizens of our country everyday that I put on the uniform."