MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Hayward, California, native is serving aboard USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy's third Nimitz-class supercarrier.
Petty Officer 1st Class Joey Escalona serves as a logistics specialist.
Logistics specialists provide diverse logistics and accounting support in a global setting to aviation, surface, subsurface, and expeditionary forces; order, receive, inspect, stow, preserve, package, ship, and issue materials and cargo; operate Navy post offices; account for government materials; and prepare and maintain required forms, records, correspondence, reports, and files.
"We are in charge of shipping and receiving, it is like working in a warehouse," said Escalona. "We manage thousands of ship parts and replenish them when parts were issued"
Escalona joined the Navy eighteen and a half years ago for the opportunities serving provides.
Escalona joined the Navy eighteen and a half years ago for the opportunities serving provides.
"I wanted to travel and build a family of my own," said Escalona.
USS Carl Vinson, homeported in San Diego, California, is named for Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his contributions to the U.S. Navy. The ship was launched in 1980 and undertook her maiden voyage in 1983.
According to Navy officials, USS Carl Vinson is one of only 11 operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today. Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard USS Carl Vinson. Approximately 3,000 men and women make up the ship’s company, and they keep all parts of the aircraft carrier running. They do everything from preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,000 sailors comprise the air wing, the people who fly and maintain the aircraft aboard the ship.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection operations in support of U.S. and coalition forces.
Escalona believes the same lessons and skills developed in Hayward contribute to a successful naval career.
"Hayward taught me to be independent," said Escalona.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Escalona is most proud of saving money and investing.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Escalona, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
"Serving in the Navy is an honor," added Escalona. "I am fulfilling my American Dream!"