SAN DIEGO. – Airman Dontay Thomas, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, joined the Navy less than a year ago. Today, Thomas serves aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I have family in the military, so my joining is really carrying out a family tradition,” said Thomas.
Growing up in Jacksonville, Thomas attended Cedar Creek Christian School and graduated in 2014. Today, Thomas uses the same skills and values learned in Jacksonville to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught to always be diligent and ready to work,” said Thomas. "It's so important to have a good work ethic and to treat everyone with respect."
These lessons have helped Thomas 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 Thomas 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 contributes to national security by traveling around the world and letting foreign countries know we're willing to fight if it’s ever needed,” said Thomas.
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.”
Thomas and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment just comes down to joining the military,” said Thomas. "I'm proud because I have a goal in mind to become an officer. That will help me gain other opportunities. I'm on my way."
As Thomas 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.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to honor and pay my respect to family members who have served before me,” added Thomas.